Job Description
Job Description
Salary : Role Overview
The Buyer role supports procurement and plant production by sourcing raw materials, ingredients, and packaging for confectionery goods. It balances cost-effectiveness, quality compliance, and continuous supply chain flow while working closely with multiple departments. Reports to the Director of Supply Chain; hybrid role based in Pittsburgh, PA (minimum 3 days / week in-office).
Job Requirements
Experience Required : At least 3 years in Procurement, at least 1 year in food manufacturing a plus.
Education Desired : Bachelors Degree in Technical Management, Supply Chain Management or Finance; experience in lieu of education considered
Essential Functions
Procurement & Vendor Management
- Sources suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Maintains long-term supplier relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery.
- Negotiates contracts, pricing, and payment terms for optimal value.
- Operates in both tactical (daily purchasing) and strategic (long-term supply positioning) capacities.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management
Monitors raw material and packaging inventory to avoid shortages / overstock.Uses demand forecasting to place proactive replenishment orders.Implements cost-reduction and accuracy-focused control procedures.Aligns inventory levels with production schedules to prevent downtime.Quality & Compliance
Ensures purchased materials meet quality and safety specifications.Coordinates returns or credits for substandard materials.Complies with relevant laws, regulations, and food safety standards (e.g., FDA, HACCP).Collaboration & Communication
Partners with production, planning, and sales teams to align purchasing with needs.Reports procurement opportunities and risks to Director of Procurement.Adjusts schedules in response to material availability changes.Serves as a cross-functional link between departments.Cost Control & Budgeting
Continuously identifies cost-reduction opportunities.Improves supply chain efficiency.Prepares procurement budgets and forecasts in line with company goals.Negotiations focus on maximizing value beyond price alone.Market Research & Innovation
Tracks industry trends, competitor activities, and market conditions.Identifies new ingredients, technologies, and sourcing opportunities.Uses trend data to inform buying strategies and mitigate risks.Skills & Qualifications
Experience : 3+ years procurement, 1+ year in food manufacturing preferred.Education : Bachelors in Technical Management, Supply Chain, or Finance (or equivalent experience).Hard Skills : Procurement, negotiation, supplier management, inventory control, ERP systems, Excel, cost analysis.Soft Skills : Communication, adaptability, organization, problem-solving, ethical judgment.Strategic Insights
This position is a hybrid operationalstrategic role : short-term tasks keep production moving, while long-term initiatives improve cost, quality, and innovation.Requires strong cross-functional collaboration to align procurement with production schedules and market realities.Success metrics include cost savings, supplier reliability, inventory accuracy, and compliance.Benefits
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and bonus plan based on business performance. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Retirement savings plan with company match.
About Promise Confections
At Promise Confections, we take immense pride in being an award-winning manufacturer of everyday chocolate and confectionery products. Our commitment is to continually challenge the norms of traditional confectionery, pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional experiences. Comprising Edward Marc Brands, Seattle Gourmet Foods, Pearsons Candy Co., and Annabelle Candy Co., we boast a diverse range of capabilities including panning, enrobing, extruding, clusters, barks, brittles, gummies and breath mint / sour candy tableting. With our extensive reach, servicing major retailers and offering private label and contract manufacturing services, we stand as emerging industry disrupter's in confectionery. Check out our brands by visiting : promiseconfections.com