Job Title: Buyer – Raw Ingredients
Location: Boston, MA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $85,000 - $95,000
Position Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented
Raw Ingredient Buyer to manage inventory and procurement of raw materials essential for manufacturing finished goods at our facility. This role requires strong multi-tasking abilities, excellent planning and organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
The ideal candidate will have experience in negotiating material contracts, with food commodity purchasing experience as a plus. Strong problem-solving, business decision-making, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with suppliers and internal teams. Leadership experience, including coaching and mentoring direct reports, is highly valued. A background or interest in food-related industries is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage raw material replenishment, considering lead times, storage needs, and shelf life.
- Build truckload shipments from vendors across the country.
- Participate in vendor plant audits alongside the QA team.
- Ensure accurate pricing of raw materials and freight costs.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities by analyzing vendor pricing, freight differentials, and alternative suppliers.
- Review daily exception reports with scheduling and expedite materials as necessary.
- Serve as the liaison between vendors and internal teams to resolve material issues, returns, and reimbursements.
- Assist R&D in sourcing new ingredients for customer formulations.
- Handle crisis management related to raw material shortages or quality issues.
- Act as the primary contact for plant personnel, ensuring raw material availability 24/7.
- Coordinate raw material transfers between facilities.
- Work with the Logistics Department to manage truckload shipments efficiently.
- Collaborate with packaging teams and Ryder to maximize weekly backhauls.
- Resolve invoice discrepancies with Accounting through DocuWare.
- Provide coverage for other facilities when buyers are out.
- Submit weekly supply variance reports and adjust inventory accordingly.
- Review dead inventory and short-shelf-life materials.
- Oversee quarterly inventory responsibilities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Mathematics, or a related field preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related fields.
- Strong negotiation skills with experience in material contract management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Experience in food commodity purchasing is a plus.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively.
- Leadership experience, including mentoring and coaching.
Skills: microsoft excel,problem-solving,analytical skills,leadership,supply chain management,raw ingredients,microsoft word,collaboration,buyer,decision-making,coaching,cross-functional collaboration,material contract management,negotiation,procurement,communication,materials
