Procurement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

As a Procurement Specialist, you will be responsible for managing inventory and purchasing raw materials for our manufacturing facility in Boston, MA.

We are looking for someone who can handle multiple tasks, possesses excellent planning and organizational skills, and has a strong background in mathematics.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is required. Experience in negotiating material contracts, particularly in the food commodity industry, is preferred.

You should also have great problem-solving abilities and be skilled in making sound business decisions. Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with external suppliers and internal stakeholders are essential.

As a Procurement Specialist, you will also have the opportunity to coach and mentor your team. If you have an interest or experience in the food industry, that is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure replenishment of raw materials by coordinating with various vendors across the country, considering lead times, storage requirements, and shelf life.
• Participate in periodic vendor plant audits with the QA manager.
• Maintain accurate pricing and freight cost information for raw materials.
• Identify cost savings opportunities through analyzing vendor price brackets, freight differentials, and alternative supplier qualifications.
• Review daily exception reports, collaborate with scheduling, and expedite materials as needed to support production.
• Handle material issues, acting as a liaison between the company and the vendor for returns, disposal, or reimbursement.

Coordinate with the Accounting department for credits or payments.

• Collaborate with R&D to procure new ingredients for customer formulations.
• Demonstrate crisis management skills and multitasking abilities to resolve issues related to raw materials used in production.
• Serve as the primary contact between plant personnel and be available 24 / 7 to address any raw material-related issues that may jeopardize plant operations.
• Facilitate the transfer of raw materials between plants as formulas are shifted across facilities.
• Coordinate with the Logistics Department to manage truckload collections.
• Collaborate with the packaging team and Ryder to maximize the utilization of weekly backhauls.
• Work with the accounting team to resolve discrepancies in invoices through DocuWare.
• Provide coverage for other plants when buyers are out of the office.
• Submit weekly Supplyside variance reports to the plant, conduct recounts, and make necessary adjustments.
• Review reports on dead inventory and short shelf raw materials.
• Manage and facilitate quarterly inventory responsibilities.

Education and / or Experience

A bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university is required, with a focus on business or math being advantageous.

Alternatively, three to five years of related experience and / or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, will be considered.