Buyer

Position: Buyer

Location/Department: Onsite Lancaster, PA/Administration Lancaster

Status: Full-Time/Salary Non-Exempt

Reports To: Controller

Our Company

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, manages dark air-cured tobacco operations in the traditional growing areas of the United States. The company contracts directly with local farmers and exports globally.

The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long-term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary

As a Buyer at Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company, you will support company‑wide procurement by helping source and procure materials, services, and capital in an efficient and cost‑effective manner. The role supports purchasing and supply chain operations through purchase order and vendor contract management, supplier coordination, inventory tracking, and data analysis, while partnering with internal teams to support demand planning, ensure timely material availability, and drive continuous process improvements.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Create, update, and manage purchase orders and vendor contracts within the ERP system (DAX).
• Track order status, shipments, and delivery schedules to ensure on-time receipt of materials.
• Support vendor sourcing activities, including identifying new suppliers, evaluating bids and pricing, and assisting with contract negotiations.
• Monitor non-tobacco inventory levels and coordinate with internal teams to prevent shortages or excess stock.
• Coordinate with internal teams to support accurate demand planning.
• Prepare purchasing and spend reports using Microsoft Excel.
• Analyze supplier pricing, costs and performance metrics.
• Assist with resolving invoicing discrepancies and pricing issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, production, logistics, and finance teams.
• Support overall procurement objectives and process improvements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or related role.
• Experience with ERP or procurement systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, time management, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Project management experience: proven ability to continuously move forward multiple projects in various states.
• Multi-lingual skills

Benefits

We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.