PURCHASING AGENT

Meals on Wheels People is an organization founded in and by the community! Over the past 50 years, our non-profit has helped thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro area keep their independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our culture reflects our five values: integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and TEAMWORK. With over 20 meal delivery centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our staff and thousands of volunteers ensure that no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.

Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your well-being. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day workweek, ample quality time off, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k)-retirement plan, pet insurance, a wellness program, mileage reimbursement for meal delivery's, professional development opportunities, and an Employee Assistance Program though Magellan Healthcare.

We are looking for a Purchasing Agent who will ensure the Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) Central Kitchen maintains adequate inventory levels and timely procurement of food, ingredients, and supplies to support schedule meal production and order fulfillment. This role combines inventory management and purchasing responsibilities, ensuring cost-effective sourcing, compliance with food safety standards, accurate ERP/database management, and alignment with budgetary guidelines.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Procurement & Sourcing:

• Source and purchase food products, packaging, and kitchen supplies aligned with budget and quality standards.

• Ensure compliance with negotiated pricing and delivery schedules to maximize cost efficiency without compromising quality.

• Ensure all purchased items meet food safety, contract, and regulatory standards.

• Maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure reliability and ethical sourcing.

• Resolve delivery, quality, or invoicing issues promptly and professionally.

ERP & Database Management:

• Process transactions in NetSuite ERP related to lot codes, expiration dates, inventory adjustments, and receipts to ensure data accuracy.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records and update supplier information, contracts, and certifications for compliance and audit readiness.

• Generate reports on purchasing trends, inventory levels, and cost analysis for leadership review.

Inventory & Production Coordination:

• Review production schedule and ensure inventory levels meet all operational requirements to ensure Central Kitchen readiness for daily production.

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with production teams; initiate purchase orders to maintain PAR (Periodic Automatic Replenishment) standards, preventing shortages and food waste.

Continuous Improvement & Projects:

• Engage in NetSuite ERP project implementation, including design, testing, data migration, and training.

• Advocate for process improvements and recommend solutions.

• Support audits by providing accurate and timely documentation.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Knowledge

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred

• Knowledge of food safety regulations and inventory management practices.

• Current Food Handler’s card

• Current ServSafe certification or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire.

• Valid Driver’s license

Skills, Abilities & Experience

• 2 years in food purchasing or procurement; purchasing for food manufacturing preferred.

• Strong computer skills with experience in NetSuite or other ERP systems preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and data management skills

• Skill, motivation, and ability to effectively communicate and work with diverse populations to build a collaborative, positive, and productive work environment.

• Responsive with great follow-through skills and ability to build trust and maintain constructive relationships across the organization.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to set priorities and organize multiple projects.

Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Fast paced with significant people interaction.

• Work with and around warehouse equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, etc.).

• Environmental exposure to cold.

• Ability to traverse large freezer, large refrigeration, warehouse, and delivery dock.

• Ability to lift a minimum of 40lbs.

• Dexterity to operate keyboard, mouse, phone.

• Must pass drug and alcohol test and criminal background check.

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an “at will” employment relationship.

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000