Overview of Job Description:

Responsible for sourcing and purchasing of various food products and services for the company. Serves as company resource for product category information, including new products and innovations in the industry. Negotiate supply agreements that meet or exceed supply, inventory, and quality goals and objectives. Manage and maintain raw materials inventory and manage vendor base.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluate vendor quotes and service to determine most desirable suppliers. Negotiate pricing, contract, royalties and rebates.
• Source new products both domestically and internationally, through either proactive efforts or at the request of the design team, for potential product development opportunities.
• Serves as the company resource for others in the company for current market trend information, product opportunities, new items and product innovations through sources such as trade shows, studying market trends, vendor correspondence, etc.
• Create buying strategies to improve costs and production efficiencies
• Conduct regular food reviews to introduce new items, concepts, or cost cutting strategies
• Purchase materials needed for production. Partner with vendors through communication of forecasts to ensure adequate supply as well as timely deliveries
• Initiate and maintain key relationships internally with Warehouse, Shipping and Receiving, and externally dealing with freight companies and freight forwarders for domestic and international purchases. Coordinate and negotiate freight activity with suppliers to ensure timely delivery to the company
• Work with the warehouse and shipping/receiving to manage inventory levels
• Work with AP for accounting issues with vendors
• Other tasks and projects as assigned by supervision

Administrative and Other Responsibilities:

Execution of Purchase Orders to suppliers, including maintaining and updating documents as appropriate based on activity

• Work with A/P for any PO/delivery/payment concerns
• Ensure vendor documentation is current and compliant (Food Safety Audits, Liability Insurance, Letter of Guarantee, etc)
• Ensure item numbers and pricing is accurate and complete in company systems (Central Pricing, Macola, etc)
• Prepare sample requests and follow up with delivery

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Problem-solving, effectively communicating verbally and in written form.
• Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Must demonstrate problem solving skills, multi-tasking capabilities and flexibility
• Must possess great attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others in a fast paced working environment.
• Knowledge of Macola Operating System a Plus

Education:

• Minimum 2 year college graduate. A Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years food Purchasing experience
• Previous experience in an office environment required.