Senior Food Buyer

We’re partnering with a thriving and growing food manufacturer looking for a data-savvy Senior Food Buyer with experience purchasing short shelf-life commodities at a high volume and strong negotiation skills.

The Senior Food Buyer position presents an exciting opportunity to lead purchasing efforts within the company’s broad food categories, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of products.

This Role Offers:

• The opportunity to work with a leading name in the food distribution industry.
• A role with significant impact on the company’s efficiency and growth.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• A collaborative work environment that values innovation and leadership.
• Flexibility with remote work options.

Focus:

• Efficiently manage product orders to meet forecasted demand while minimizing loss on perishable inventory.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to obtain the best possible product costs, quality, and service consistently.
• Ensure adherence to established policies and procedures while striving to achieve inventory and turn goals.
• Interface with other departments and division personnel to accomplish job functions effectively, fostering teamwork and cooperation.
• Review acquisition costs, assess market conditions, and recommend order quantities to minimize costs while maintaining quality and reliability.
• Conduct regular analysis of inventory, market conditions, and promotional impact to make informed recommendations to the merchandising team.
• Address inventory issues at store level promptly and effectively, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor costs, quality, service level, inventory turns, and distress through daily and weekly reports, making adjustments as necessary.
• Visit stores as needed to monitor programs, gather feedback, and assess implementation effectiveness.
• Manage Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure accurate invoicing and resolution of billing discrepancies.
• Coordinate with Operations to maintain proper product flow through the facility, ensuring timely delivery and efficient operations.
• Utilize remote access (buying system) from home or off-site locations as required.

Skill Set:

• Minimum of 4+ years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience, with a strong preference for experience in general food buying.
• Vast understanding of market dynamics and a solid foundation in procurement and logistics.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word and Excel.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective business relationships.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage competing demands.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in food & agriculture recruitment. Our food & agriculture recruiting team unites professionals in agribusiness, food processing, and agricultural technology with innovative companies. Learn more at bit.ly/40LrcFx