Position Summary

The Specialist is responsible for sourcing and procurement of ingredients, packaging materials, and co-manufactured finished goods. This role manages supplier relationships, purchase orders, inventory alignment, production coordination, cost management, and supply continuity while supporting food safety, quality, and customer service objectives 

  Key Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing strategies for ingredients, packaging, and co-manufactured products.

• Manage supplier relationships, pricing, contracts, lead times, and service performance.

• Create, maintain, and monitor purchase orders and production-related orders in ERP systems.

• Coordinate with co-manufacturing partners on production schedules, material availability, and delivery requirements.

• Manage inventory levels, consigned inventory, FIFO compliance, and lot traceability.

• Analyze forecasts and demand requirements to ensure uninterrupted supply.

• Conduct RFQs, cost comparisons, and cost-saving initiatives.

• Work closely with Warehouse, Production, Quality, Logistics, Sales, and Customer Service teams.

• Resolve supplier performance, quality, and delivery issues and escalate when necessary.

• Support audits, regulatory compliance, and food safety programs including SQF, USDA, HACCP, and customer requirements.

• Maintain accurate procurement, inventory, and supplier records.

• Monitor KPI performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience in food manufacturing.

• Experience buying ingredients, packaging, proteins, and/or co-manufactured finished goods preferred.

• Knowledge of ERP systems (Sage X3, Canopy, or similar).

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.

• Advanced Excel and reporting skills preferred.

• Understanding of BOMs, food manufacturing processes, inventory control, and traceability.

Success Measures

• Supply continuity and material availability.

• On-time supplier and co-manufacturer performance.

• Purchase price and cost improvement results.

• Inventory accuracy and working capital management.

• ERP transaction accuracy and compliance.

• Internal customer satisfaction and operational support.