Purchasing and Planning Manager at Berk Enterprises Inc – Warren, Ohio

Are you passionate about offering innovative solutions to the foodservice industry? At Berk Enterprises, we’re a third-generation, woman-owned family business that supplies reliable food disposables and custom packaging to customers across the country. As a leading supplier in the restaurant and concession space, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all things packaging, and we believe our products play a pivotal role in bringing people together to create lasting memories. We’re growing and looking for talented individuals who want to make an impact. If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to meet you. Join Berk Enterprises and help shape the future of food packaging.

Job Description

The Purchasing and Planning Manager is responsible for leading the organization’s purchasing strategy with a strong emphasis on international sourcing, global supplier management, and cross-border procurement operations. This role oversees all purchasing activities, ensures cost-effective global supply continuity, and manages the purchasing team to drive operational excellence. This position requires a strategic leader who can successfully manage international supplier relationships, navigate global logistics and trade considerations, optimize demand planning, and develop a high-performing team. The ideal candidate brings strong negotiation expertise, deep supply chain knowledge, and proven leadership experience in a global sourcing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive purchasing and demand planning strategies, including international and global sourcing initiatives.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage domestic and international suppliers to ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are achieved.
• Lead global supplier negotiations, including contracts, pricing, lead times, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor international market trends, tariffs, and geopolitical factors that may impact supply continuity or cost.
• Manage daily purchasing operations and provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to the purchasing team.
• Allocate responsibilities, set departmental goals, and drive accountability within the team.
• Coordinate closely with international logistics, production planning, and operations teams to forecast demand and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure all procured materials meet company quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Prepare cost analyses and savings initiatives tied to strategic sourcing efforts.
• Continuously improve purchasing systems, processes, and controls to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Train, mentor, and develop team members to build internal procurement and supply chain capabilities.
• All other duties as assigned.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Paid training, generous paid time off, and holidays.
• 401k with company match.
• Employee discount programs.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Competitive compensation package that rewards your experience and results.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in purchasing management, preferably within a global or international sourcing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in international procurement, global logistics, import/export processes, and supplier risk management.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, demand planning, and supply chain strategy.
• Proven leadership and team management experience, including coaching, performance evaluation, and team development.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing complex supplier agreements across multiple regions.
• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and influence stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and purchasing/ERP systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, and CPP are highly desired but not required

Additional Considerations Berk Enterprises, Inc. culture and core values are part of what makes the company successful and a great place to work. Berk Enterprises, Inc. is a rapidly growing company where flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced work environment with many critical deadlines.