The role of the Purchasing Specialist is to oversee inventory management and procurement of raw materials for the manufacturing facility located in Boston, MA. This includes purchasing the necessary materials for the production of finished goods.
The ideal candidate must possess excellent planning, organization and mathematical skills, and be able to multitask effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is required, as well as experience in negotiating material contracts, particularly in the food commodity industry. The candidate should also have strong problem-solving abilities and be skilled in making sound business decisions. Superior communication skills are necessary to collaborate with external suppliers and internal customers. The ability to mentor and coach team members is crucial, and a background or interest in the food industry is considered a bonus.
The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for:
- Ensuring the replenishment of raw materials by coordinating with various vendors nationwide, while taking into account lead times, storage requirements, and shelf life.
- Periodically attending vendor plant audits with the QA manager.
- Maintaining accurate pricing information for raw materials and freight costs.
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities by reviewing vendor price brackets, freight differentials, and alternative supplier qualifications.
- Reviewing daily exception reports with the scheduling team to expedite materials if necessary.
- Serving as a liaison between the company and vendors in the event of material issues, such as returns or reimbursements.
- Assisting R&D in procuring new ingredients for customer formulations.
- Demonstrating crisis management abilities and multitasking skills to address any issues pertaining to raw materials used in production.
- Being the primary contact for all plant personnel and being available 24/7 to handle any raw material-related issues.
- Coordinating the transfer of raw materials between plants as formulas are shifted between facilities.
- Managing truckloads in collaboration with the Logistics Department.
- Ensuring proper utilization of weekly backhauls by coordinating with the packaging team and Ryder.
- Resolving any discrepancies in invoices in collaboration with the accounting team.
- Providing coverage for other plants, if needed, when other buyers are out of office.
- Submitting a weekly variance report to the plant regarding supplyside, confirming recounts and making necessary adjustments.
- Reviewing reports on dead inventory and short-shelf raw materials.
- Managing and facilitating quarterly inventory responsibilities.
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university. A concentration in business or mathematics is a plus. Alternatively, the candidate should have three to five years of related experience and/or training. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
