Buyer-Sustainable Sourcing

POSITION PURPOSE – WHAT YOU WILL DO

As the Buyer – Sustainable Sourcing, you are responsible for procuring raw materials and custom packaging while managing vendor relationships, coordinating freight logistics, and sourcing new materials. This role combines traditional procurement responsibilities with a strong focus on integrating sustainability throughout the supply chain.

In this position, you will collaborate closely with suppliers and internal teams to bring packaging solutions from concept through activation for new product launches. Responsibilities include assessing supplier capabilities, requesting and evaluating samples, and partnering with cross-functional teams to validate performance and ensure successful implementation.

THE WHEN AND WHERE

Your regular schedule will be full-time at 40 hours each week, Monday – Friday in our clean and vibrant office space in Williston, Vermont. This role allows for some remote work which will be mutually agreed upon with your manager or supervisor. We value your health and wellness, so we offer many programs to keep employees healthy & engaged and recognize them for the important work that they do.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

ASSUME RESPONSIBITY FOR PURCHASING MATERIALS FROM SUPPLIERS

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Travel to visit suppliers and better assess capabilities.

• Submit RFQ’s, negotiate price and delivery and issue Purchase Orders.

• Use carrier platforms to assess best inbound freight cost and transit time.

• Use the ERP system along with other analytical tools to monitor inventory levels and place purchase orders.

• Keep ERP system updated with current information.

• Resolve material issues with the supplier and file freight claims for necessary damaged materials.

• Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise. Resolve past-due invoices.

• Manage the VMI program by setting adequate inventory levels and assuring competitive pricing.

• Assist other departments by procuring materials as needed.

• Ensure supplier compliance with annual and as-needed regulatory requirements.

• Assist QA with Supplier NCR submission and follow up.

• Research and develop new supplier relationships and capabilities that will add value beyond the product.

WORK ON NEW PRODUCT PACKAGING

• Generate packaging prototypes with suppliers for new product development concepts.

• Focus product redesign initiatives to improve circularity and reduce environmental impact.

• Maintain a library of samples and quotes for each project.

• Generate timelines for each project ensuring samples are available for sales presentations.

• Work with Marketing to determine print specifications. Work with the Operations team to assess the structure of samples.

• Sign off on internal product specifications and artwork proofs.

• Coordinate art files being sent to printer.

SOURCE NEW MATERIALS

• Work cross-functionally to source and evaluate new materials.

• Identify sourcing opportunities that improve supply chain resilience, circularity, and ethical standards.

• Maintain a record of samples received, pricing, and product spec sheets.

• Provide analysis and recommendations for replacement materials.

• Collect documentation for new suppliers and new materials to support our 3rd party food safety certification and sustainability initiatives.

• Communicate material changes to key stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

SUCCESS FACTORS FOR THIS ROLE

• Relationships with major suppliers are measurably improving.

• Dual source options are available & used to remain competitive.

• Pricing is negotiated, with cost improvements documented and communicated.

• Material delays and transitions are coordinated and communicated properly.

• Track and report on sustainability metrics.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to work at a desk and use all job-related computer hardware and software.

• Must be able to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally.

• Understand that worker and food safety is the responsibility of every employee and always work in a safe manner.

• Exemplify company values and look for ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

• Strive to continually improve our processes and reduce our environmental impact.

• Be positive, cooperative, and professional with all employees, consumers, and vendors.

• Ability to follow directions and ask clarifying questions when unclear in order to master your role.

WHAT LCC OFFERS – OUR CULTURE

• An inclusive workplace where diversity is championed.

• Excellent health, dental, vision and 401K plans

• Ample paid time off

• Competitive compensation with eligibility for pay increases

• Wellness benefits such as chair massages, monthly healthy snacks, and an employee recognition program

• Sweet chocolate perks!

As a community, we expect and encourage our employees to make positive contributions to the Lake Champlain Chocolates’ culture by aligning personal behaviors with the company’s vision, mission, and core values. We consistently AMAZE our customers; VALUE and encourage team member excellence and well-being; CARE for our community and environment; and GROW through innovative leadership, planning and execution. We respect individual initiative and creativity, demand attention to detail, and strive for the highest measures of quality in all that we do. It is through dedication to this vision that Lake Champlain Chocolates can become the gold standard of gourmet chocolate.

ALL ABOUT LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATES

Born from a dare to do better, we at Lake Champlain Chocolates are driven by our passion to change the world one delicious piece of chocolate at a time. Since the first truffles we made in 1983 to our Five Star Bars® rolling off the line today, our goal has always been about combining creativity and craftsmanship, while sourcing only the best ingredients to create premium chocolate that is truly unforgettable. We infuse passion, integrity, and an unrivaled commitment to community in everything we do to make the world a better and more joyful place. Every employee’s contributions make our company what it is today: a warm, welcoming, inclusive and successful certified B Corporation® committed to being a force for social and environmental good. We are committed to making a positive impact on our local and global communities through the choices we make sourcing materials and while operating our facilities and stores. Our community of employees work hard, care about each other, care about the integrity of our products, and share a passion for delicious confections.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE

Supply Chain or Procurement Certificate or three years of experience in this field; financial literacy skills

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE

Degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a similar field; knowledge of printing processes and material substrates; an understanding of operations management

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with and ability to follow all company and handbook policies and procedures.

• Honest with a high degree of integrity; able to use tact and maintain information confidentiality.

• Able to give, receive, and act on feedback.

• Able to work well with and support others and to build and maintain positive employee relations.

• Well-organized, strong attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks.

• Effective speaking, presentation, and written communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & ability to use basic office equipment.

• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.

• Willingness to learn new things.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.