Senior Procurement Specialist

Are you a strategic sourcing professional with a knack for navigating complex supply chains? Kane Partners is seeking a Sr. Procurement Specialist to join a premier food manufacturing organization in the scenic Yakima, WA area. This is a high-impact role where you will drive value, mitigate risk, and lead the charge in sourcing high-quality packaging and ingredients.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Buyer, you will be the primary architect of the procurement process for essential packaging and ingredient supplies. You will go beyond simply "placing orders"—you will manage the entire lifecycle of supply, from identifying new vendors and negotiating competitive pricing to navigating the geopolitical and market trends that impact the industry.

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Manage procurement based on ERP requirements. Secure competitive pricing and lead negotiations with vendors to ensure cost-efficiency and quality.

· Inventory & Risk Management: Coordinate with manufacturing facilities and external warehouses to optimize inventory levels. Develop contingency and dual-source strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

· Project Leadership: Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams to support new product launches, customer onboarding, and co-pack locations.

· Supplier Innovation: Proactively discover and evaluate potential new suppliers, facilitating vendor approval and coordinating material trials at plant locations.

· Financial Integration: Play a key role in the annual budgeting and forecasting process, using market data and consumption trends to project future costs.

· Compliance & Quality: Ensure all items meet strict quality specifications, food safety standards (GMP/FSMA), and contractual obligations.

Qualifications for Success

· Experience: Minimum of 6 years of purchasing experience within a complex enterprise environment (Manufacturing or Food & Beverage preferred).

· Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.

· Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to gain cooperation through persuasion and secure favorable terms with global and local vendors.

· Technical Savvy: Proficiency in ERP systems, financial forecasting, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

· Problem Solving: A track record of identifying supply risks and implementing immediate, effective solutions during schedule changes or market shifts.

Working Relationships & Culture

Reporting directly to the Purchasing Manager, you will serve as a vital point of contact for Finance, QA, Marketing, IT, and Warehouse teams. We are looking for a professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced performance culture and can manage multiple changing priorities with ease.

Why Yakima, WA?

Yakima offers an incredible quality of life for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing amenities. Known for its vineyards, orchards, and 300 days of sunshine, it is a hub for the Pacific Northwest’s agricultural industry.

Ready to lead?

Join a team that values continuous improvement and strategic thinking. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.