The position is responsible for decision making in all areas related to the Company supply chain. This includes plant and vendor relationships, implementation of existing and new projects and procedures. The buyer procures quality fruit and vegetables, at a competitive price, to fill plant needs and provides support to the purchasing team as well as the plants. They are accountable for communication and decisions on quality concerns or stock out issues, at the plant level. They must make quick decisions, when necessary, as quality and inventory concerns arise, in order to ensure that the plants are able to execute customer orders on time and as smoothly as possible.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Manage/Track inventory levels and usages for up to 10 production facilities, to maintain the plant's ability to fulfill orders and have at least 2-3 days of safety stock.
2. Place orders in a timely manner to fill customer needs. Keep communication while tracking incoming orders and their delivery.
3. Accountable for finding new suppliers, vendors, and sourcing and pricing opportunities for key commodities.
4. Continuously look for ways to cut costs on raw products by working closely with finance and supply chain management to help strategize on cost saving initiatives.
5. Compare pricing from several different options. Reach out to current suppliers and communicate with vendors about competitive pricing.
6. Assist in product research. Work closely with all departments to align on best options in fulfilling both customer and plant expectations for new items and customer requests.
7. Frequent communication and decision making with the Vice President of Procurement, our CEO, the purchasing team, and facility team to align and help with best ordering practices.
8. Solve problems regarding internal company transfers of new and existing item launch components, changes in availability within the marketplace, as well as seasonal, regional, or weather-related issues.
9. Works with accounting to finalize any outstanding invoices, sign off on discrepancies, and issue PO's.
10. Build, dispatch and secure transportation for the select commodities that are assigned to the position.

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Position Requirements:

1. 2-3 Years experience in related fields.
2. Ability to multi-task, concentrate, and work in a fast-paced environment on the procurement side of the business.
3. Strong oral and written communication skills. Must be able to build rapport with clients.
4. Research and analytical abilities.
5. Bilingual a plus