**Description**

Act as an agent for the company to source and procure materials, components, services and supplies at the most favorable cost and terms consistent with standards of quality. Develop and maintain a supplier base that supports company objectives regarding quality, cost and production requirements, in accordance with company policies and procedures.

At Lakeside, we're committed to growing our company and our people. When you join the Lakeside team, youll become part of our family. Since 1887 weve produced a diverse line of canned and frozen foods. We sell our products through major retailers, food service distributors and national restaurant chains. Were driven to find new, innovative ways to serve our customers and our community. And theres a seat at the table for you.

**WHAT YOU'LL DO:**

* Provide tactical support in the sourcing, purchasing, and distributing of raw materials, components, services and supplies for all Lakeside facilities.

* Obtain and analyze bids in accordance with established policies and procedures.

* Purchase in accordance with production/finished product requirements and maintain sufficient inventory of materials from outside vendors to insure all requirements are met.

* Originate contracts, purchase orders, stock transport orders, or material releases as needed based on current or forecasted material inventory levels.

* Expedite outstanding purchase orders in accordance with production requirements. Follow up orders utilizing all necessary methods of communication.

* Communicate any changes in expected delivery date, quantity, or location to production, traffic, and/or receiving in a timely manner.

* Assure that materials are delivered on schedule, at the correct price, and that they meet the established quality standards.

* Review acknowledgements for agreement with purchase orders and resolve any discrepancies with the supplier to the best possible advantage.

* With the cooperation of QA and Operations, follow up with suppliers in addressing quality issues and implementing corrective action through the Quality Management system.

* Assist/arrange for disposal of surplus materials.

* Responsible to help other department personnel determine the most suitable product or service to meet their needs considering the objectives of Lakeside.

* Work with suppliers to improve their processes and/or develop new processes that will improve material quality, production characteristics, efficiencies and/or overall cost.

* Promote and maintain good business relationships with vendors, manufacturers, etc.

* Assist in evaluating and measuring suppliers against defined expectations.

* Participate on teams or sub-teams. Work effectively in cross-functional teams towards a common goal.

* Responsible to know or quickly learn about all the products and services with which Lakeside will transact business.

* Responsible to know about the industry, including who the major suppliers are, the economic status of those suppliers and the industry, and current and expected developments within the industry.

* Keep the Senior Procurement Manager informed of activities or problems and submit reports as requested by management.

* Other duties/projects as assigned.

**WHAT YOU'LL BRING:**

* Bachelors Degree from a four year college or university, emphasis in Supply Chain, Food Science or Operations and five years related experience, or four years of high school and six to eight years of progressively responsible related experience; or a combination of education and experience.

* Five years experience in the food industry preferred.

* Working knowledge of ERP systems, Microsoft Office, methods of data analysis.

* Ability to read and interpret purchasing related documents such as product-related literature, materials specifications and technical books and/or manuals. Ability to prepare reports, purchase orders and correspondence related to purchasing. Ability to communicate effectively with vendors and with employees of Lakeside. Ability to negotiate purchasing terms and conditions favorable to the organization.

* Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discount, interest, proportions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

* Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruction in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

**WHAT YOU'LL GET:**

* Friendly office environment, "dress for your day" dress code, competitive compensation, medical, dental and vision insurance, short and long term disability, life insurance, 401K with employer contribution, profit sharing, vacation, personal days and holidays.

**TEAMWORK AT LAKESIDE (TAL):**

* Through individual and team efforts, enthusiastically work toward the continuous improvement of his/her job, work area, department and Lakeside as a whole. Fully participate in TAL by living Lakesides Standard of Conduct and being an active member of operations and project teams. By actions and work, clearly and visibly demonstrate the spirit of teamwork, cooperation and respect for others in all business transactions and exchanges.

* Proactively create an environment that clearly and sincerely encourages the spirt of TAL in all areas of responsibility.

*Lakeside Foods welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status.* *M/F/D/V*