Food & Beverage Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the supply of dairy products, groceries, water, and TG supplies to support company operations. This role involves negotiating with suppliers, optimizing costs, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Identify, evaluate, and establish partnerships with reliable suppliers for dairy, groceries, water, and TG supplies to ensure consistent quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to secure favorable agreements.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to improve service levels and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards.
• Resolve any supplier-related issues, including delivery delays, quality concerns, or pricing discrepancies.

Procurement & Inventory Control

• Develop procurement strategies based on market trends, business demand, and budget constraints.
• Monitor and manage stock levels to avoid shortages or overstock situations.
• Work closely with the warehouse and logistics teams to optimize inventory flow and minimize waste.
• Implement demand forecasting models to improve procurement accuracy and efficiency.
• Evaluate and implement alternative sourcing options in case of supply disruptions.

Cost Optimization & Budget Management

• Analyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and supply reliability.
• Develop and manage procurement budgets, ensuring spending aligns with company goals.
• Track market trends, price fluctuations, and competitor pricing to optimize purchasing decisions.
• Recommend bulk purchasing or long-term agreements to achieve economies of scale.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with food safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of food safety certifications, storage requirements, and handling best practices.
• Conduct quality inspections and audits to verify compliance with contractual terms.
• Work with regulatory teams and suppliers to resolve compliance issues and implement corrective actions.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Continuously analyze procurement processes, workflows, and efficiency gaps to identify improvement opportunities.
• Implement automation tools, technology, or systems to streamline purchasing operations.
• Develop and present regular reports on procurement KPIs, supplier performance, cost analysis, and inventory trends.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, and logistics teams, to enhance cross-functional efficiency.

KPIs

· Cost Savings Achievement: The percentage of cost savings achieved through procurement activities, calculated by comparing the actual cost of goods or services procured to previous year.

This KPI measures the Procurement Manager's success in negotiating favorable terms, securing competitive pricing, and implementing cost-saving initiatives, contributing to overall cost reduction and efficiency.

· Procurement Cycle Time: Reducing lead time from requisition to order fulfillment.

· Process Efficiency & Improvement: Implementation of new procurement efficiencies or automation strategies.

· Supplier Diversification: Reducing dependency on single suppliers by securing multiple sourcing options.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in a related field or equivalent experience.

· Project Management Master’s Degree/Certification (Preferred).

· Two to four years of relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, or purchasing.

· Experience with ERP procurement systems, supplier negotiation, and cost management.

COMPETENCIES:

• Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Project Management--Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Strategic Thinking--Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Analytical--Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Quality Management--Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Acumen--Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Professionalism--Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally required to walk
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Continually utilize visual acuity to read technical information, and/or use a keyboard.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.