Purchasing & Inventory Manager

Job Title

Purchasing & Inventory Manager

Department

Operations

Reports To

Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for planning, sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing raw materials (except for Meat products purchased in Europe), other ingredients, packaging, small equipment, spare parts, services, and indirect supplies required for the efficient operation of the business.

This role ensures uninterrupted supply, competitive costs, regulatory compliance, and optimal inventory levels while maintaining high standards of food safety and supplier performance. The Purchasing Manager works closely with Production, Quality Assurance, R&D, Logistics, Finance, and Sales to support operational and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Sourcing

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and service reliability for:
• raw materials (except for Meat products purchased in Europe),
• other ingredients (cheese, vegetables)
• packaging materials,
• consumables,
• equipment and spare parts,
• logistics services such as freight, warehousing, and transportation services,
• indirect goods/services.
• Conduct market analysis on commodity trends, supply risks, and pricing fluctuations.
• Build long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Develop alternative sourcing strategies to reduce supply chain risks.
• Support new product development through supplier scouting and sourcing of innovative ingredients or packaging solutions.
• The role includes daily purchasing execution.

Supplier Management

• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, rebates, contracts, service levels, and lead times.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality performance, responsiveness, service level, cost competitiveness, and food safety compliance.
• Coordinate supplier audits together with Quality Assurance.
• Resolve supplier disputes related to quality, shortages, claims, or pricing discrepancies.

Inventory & Supply Planning

• Ensure continuity of supply to avoid production interruptions.
• Oversee inventory management activities to ensure accurate stock levels, inventory accuracy, and efficient material flow across the organization.
• Establish and monitor inventory control procedures, cycle counting programs, and inventory KPIs to minimize shortages, excess inventory, and obsolescence.
• Collaborate with Warehouse, Production Planning, and Finance to optimize inventory levels and working capital.
• Balance inventory carrying costs with production needs and customer service requirements.
• Manage safety stock levels based on demand variability and lead times.
• Minimize obsolete, expired, or slow-moving inventory.

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or service.
• Prepare annual purchasing budgets and forecasts.
• Track savings initiatives and procurement KPIs.
• Support margin improvement initiatives through sourcing optimization.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure purchased materials comply with FDA/USDA regulations, and other applicable food safety standards.
• Ensure suppliers comply with ethical sourcing policies, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain supplier documentation including Spec Sheets, COAs, allergen declarations, nutritional information, and insurance certificates.
• Support traceability and recall procedures when necessary.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with:
• Production to align material availability,
• QA for supplier approvals and specifications,
• R&D for new product launches,
• Operations and Maintenance for new equipment and spare parts,
• Finance for budgeting and payment planning,
• Logistics/Warehouse for inventory flow,
• Sales for demand forecasting.
• Participate in Operations and Planning meetings and Sales meetings when needed.
• Support operational problem-solving during supply shortages or emergencies.

Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP systems.
• Generate procurement reports and dashboards.
• Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, inventory turnover, forecast accuracy, and cost variances.
• Ensure purchase orders and contracts are accurately documented.
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications / Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
• Supply Chain Management,
• Business Administration,
• Food Science,
• Operations Management,
• or related field.

Experience

• 5+ years in purchasing/procurement.
• Experience in food manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Experience with commodity purchasing and supplier negotiations.
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements.

Technical Skills

• ERP/MRP systems experience
• Strong Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Understanding of inventory planning, forecasting, logistics, and cost analysis.
• Knowledge of import/export procedures and international sourcing is a plus.

Key Competencies

Commercial & Negotiation Skills

• Strong negotiator with cost management focus.
• Ability to manage complex supplier relationships.
• Commercially driven mindset.

Analytical Thinking

• Ability to analyze market trends and financial impacts.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities.

Organizational Skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.

Communication & Leadership

• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead supplier meetings and internal coordination.
• Experience managing purchasing teams is often preferred.

Decision Making

• Ability to make quick sourcing decisions during supply disruptions.
• Risk management mindset.

Working Conditions

• Office and manufacturing environment.
• Frequent interaction with suppliers and production teams.
• Possible travel for supplier visits, trade shows, and audits.

Fast-paced environment with urgent operational demands

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person