Assistant Purchasing Manager

Our client are seeking a highly organized and proactive Assistant Purchasing Manager to support our procurement operations within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role plays a key part in ensuring that all raw materials, packaging, and indirect supplies are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in line with quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Assist in sourcing raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies for production.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and help evaluate new vendor opportunities.
• Support negotiation of pricing, contracts, and service agreements to optimize cost and supply security.
• Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery, and compliance with food safety requirements.

Inventory & Logistics

• Work closely with production planning and warehouse teams to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Track inbound deliveries, resolve supply delays, and escalate issues when required.
• Help coordinate logistics and transportation schedules to ensure timely replenishment of critical materials.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, price lists, supplier information, and contracts.
• Assist in preparing cost analyses, forecasting reports, and procurement KPIs.
• Support adherence to all regulatory, quality, and food safety standards (e.g., FDA, SQF, HACCP).
• Ensure documentation and traceability requirements are met for audits.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives, material substitutions, and supply chain optimization projects.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes and improve efficiency across the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field (preferred).
• 2–4 years of experience in purchasing or supply chain, ideally within food, CPG, or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, vendor management, and inventory control.
• Knowledge of food safety requirements and regulatory standards.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar) and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.