Food Ingredient Buyer

Department: Procurement
Reports To: CFO / COO
Status: Exempt

Position Overview

The Food Ingredient Buyer oversees purchasing, supplier management, and supply-chain optimization for key ingredient categories. This role requires strong technical knowledge of ingredient sourcing, contract negotiation, market trends, and risk mitigation. The Buyer will lead supplier qualification, demand planning activities, cost analysis, inventory management, and long-term sourcing strategy to ensure reliability, quality, and cost competitiveness.

This position requires at least three years of purchasing or supply-chain experience and demonstrated capability managing high-value, complex product lines.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Purchasing & Demand Management

• Lead purchasing activities for assigned ingredient categories, ensuring consistent supply, competitive pricing, and quality.
• Execute demand planning, forecasting, and purchasing strategies aligned with company needs and market conditions.
• Monitor industry trends, commodity shifts, market intelligence, and risk factors to proactively mitigate supply-chain exposure.
• Conduct cost analysis, scenario planning, and benchmarking to support strategic sourcing decisions.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers while strengthening relationships with existing partners.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities including quality systems, financial stability, manufacturing capacity, sustainability practices, lead times, and service reliability.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, pricing, and supply agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance through metrics/KPIs and drive continuous improvement expectations.
• Resolve supplier issues, disputes, and logistical challenges through active communication and problem solving.

Sourcing Strategy & Sustainability

• Lead sourcing initiatives aimed at long-term sustainability, cost optimization, and risk-reduction across the global supplier network.
• Assess supply-chain options that support environmental, regulatory, quality, and operational requirements.
• Conduct supplier research and market surveillance to identify new sourcing opportunities and competitive advantages.

Procurement Operations & Supply-Chain Support

• Process purchase orders, manage payment workflows, and oversee inventory levels for assigned categories.
• Support forecasting, demand planning, and category management strategies.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation for procurement processes.
• Improve workflow efficiency through new technologies, systems upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain clear records, supplier histories, and performance dashboards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of purchasing or supply-chain management experience.
• Proven success managing high-value or complex product categories.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to evaluate large datasets and drive data-based decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel—pivot tables, charts, solver; PowerPoint; Word).
• Experience with ERP or demand planning systems preferred.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with process improvement, project management, or Lean/Six Sigma preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically for supplier site visits or trade shows (0–40%).
• Self-directed with strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and comfort working with ambiguity.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Primarily office-based with standard walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 25 lbs).
• Regular use of computers, typing, and digital systems.
• Strong mental concentration required for analysis, forecasting, and complex decision making.
• Work performed in comfortable indoor conditions.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, with flexibility as needed for supplier meetings, deadlines, or travel.