Description Purchasing & Supplier Management • Source and procure products from domestic and international suppliers to support customer demand and inventory requirements • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. • Negotiate product pricing, payment terms, freight arrangements, and service agreements. • Evaluate supplier performance related to quality, pricing, service, and fill rates. • Identify and qualify new supplier and product opportunities. • Review supplier allocations, shortages, and service issues while communicating impacts internally. Inventory Management • Manage inventory levels to maintain product availability while controlling inventory costs. • Monitor inventory turns, aging inventory, and slow-moving items. • Establish reorder points, safety stock levels, and inventory targets. • Collaborate with warehouse and inventory control teams to improve inventory accuracy. • Work proactively to reduce stockouts, overstocks, and product waste. Market Analysis & Commodity Monitoring • Monitor industry trends, commodity markets, supplier pricing, and market conditions impacting product cost and availability. • Research and analyze market intelligence to support purchasing decisions. • Identify opportunities to purchase strategically based on market conditions and demand forecasts. • Communicate market trends and pricing changes to management and sales teams. Pricing & Margin Management • Maintain accurate product costs within company systems. • Review supplier price changes and update customer pricing as necessary. • Support company margin objectives through effective purchasing decisions. • Analyze product profitability and identify opportunities for margin improvement. • Provide cost and market information to support sales initiatives and customer quoting. Purchase Order & Order Management • Create and maintain accurate purchase orders. • Review open purchase orders and follow up on overdue shipments. • Obtain shipping confirmations, proof of delivery, and supplier status updates. • Coordinate with suppliers to ensure orders are shipped and delivered as scheduled. • Maintain records of purchases, shipments, supplier communications, and related documentation. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Warehouse Operations, Transportation, and Finance departments. • Communicate order status, product availability, shortages, and supplier updates. • Assist with customer returns, credits, substitutions, and supplier-related issues. • Support marketing programs, promotions, and special buying opportunities. • Partner with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice and pricing discrepancies. Reporting & Administration • Generate and review purchasing, inventory, pricing, and supplier performance reports. • Maintain accurate product costs and purchasing records. • Track procurement metrics including inventory levels, fill rates, service levels, and margin performance. • Support budgeting, forecasting, and inventory planning activities. • Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned. Requirements • 3–5 years of purchasing, procurement and/or inventory management. • Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills. • Experience managing inventory and purchasing activities. • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge. • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Preferred • Experience in foodservice, wholesale food distribution, grocery, meat/protein, or related industries. • Knowledge of commodity markets and food industry pricing trends. • Experience with ERP, inventory management, and purchasing systems. • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Food Science, or related field. • Professional purchasing or supply chain certifications are a plus. Core Competencies • Strategic Sourcing • Supplier Relationship Management • Negotiation • Inventory Planning & Control • Market & Commodity Analysis • Pricing & Margin Management • Data Analysis & Reporting • Attention to Detail • Problem Solving • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Time Management • Decision Making Working Conditions • Primarily office environment. • Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods. • Occasionally move throughout warehouse and office locations. • Occasional travel to supplier facilities, trade events, or industry meetings as needed. • May require occasional evening or weekend work based on business needs.