Robert Half is looking for a Buyer in Antioch, CA. Responsible for procuring ingredients related to a manufacturing plant and its co-packers. This pivotal role demands collaboration with various departments including Marketing, R& D, Warehouse, and Production to understand both short- and long-term requirements. The Purchasing Buyer will closely engage with vendors to stay abreast of market changes impacting supply needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate pricing, including annual contracts.
• Develop policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and services.
• Monitor market conditions affecting material pricing and availability.
• Track inventory levels and lead times, identifying lead-time risks.
• Maintain a preferred supplier program in close cooperation with QA.
• Conduct monthly meetings to review potentially obsolete materials.
• Source back-up vendors to ensure continuous supply.
• Actively participate in quarterly physical inventory processes.
• Evaluate and monitor vendor performance.
• Undertake project work including updating product specifications.

Please apply today for immediate consideration!

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or business-related field preferred.
• Five to ten years of purchasing experience in the food industry.
• Prior experience working with co-packers strongly encouraged.
• Passion for procurement.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Market knowledge and ability to recognize trends.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, planning, negotiating, and prioritization skills.
• Resourceful with a strong initiative, capable of project completion.
• Proven ability to effectively deal with conflict and problem-solving.
• Ability to multitask.
• Problem-solving aptitude and creative thinking ability.
• Ability to establish a good rapport with vendors.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.