Buyer in St. Petersburg, Florida at GA Foods

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and coordinating the timely delivery of ingredients, packaging materials, and operational supplies that support manufacturing operations. This role manages purchase orders, monitors inventory levels, maintains accurate procurement records, and collaborates closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted production, cost-effective purchasing, and compliance with company standards. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at building strong supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Source and procure ingredients, packaging materials, and operational supplies to support production schedules and business requirements.

· Create, issue, and manage purchase orders, ensuring order accuracy, supplier confirmations, and timely delivery of materials.

· Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with warehouse and production teams to prevent shortages, overstock situations, and production disruptions.

· Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, product availability, lead times, and delivery schedules.

· Resolve supplier-related issues, including order discrepancies, shortages, quality concerns, and delivery delays.

· Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, contracts, pricing data, and procurement documentation within ERP and procurement systems.

· Analyze purchasing trends and identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supplier optimization.

· Support supplier qualification, evaluation, and performance management initiatives.

· Ensure purchasing activities comply with food safety regulations, company policies, quality standards, and applicable industry requirements.

· Collaborate with Quality, Production, Warehouse, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to support an efficient and reliable supply chain.

· Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier performance.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

· Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field required.

· Bachelor's degree preferred, in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

· Two to four years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related experience required.

· Experience in food manufacturing, food production, or a manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

· Effective communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

· Experience working with ERP or procurement systems preferred.

· Ability to analyze purchasing data and make informed business decisions.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong problem-solving and follow-through skills.

Work Environment

· Work is performed in both an office setting and a manufacturing environment.

· Regular interaction with warehouse, production, and quality teams is required.

· Periodic time on the production floor may be necessary to support operations and supplier-related activities.

· Daily warehouse walk throughs are required.

· Thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to affectively manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

· Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

· Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.

· Ability to access manufacturing and warehouse areas while following all required safety protocols.

Notice to Staffing and Recruiting Agencies

G.A. Food Services of Pinellas County, LLC, including its subsidiaries and affiliated companies (“GA Foods”), does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies, search firms, or other third-party recruiters.

All agency engagements must be authorized in advance by GA Foods Legal Department and governed by a fully executed written agreement with GA Foods. Any candidate information submitted without such an agreement, including submissions made directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered unsolicited and will not create a legal obligation to pay any referral, placement, or other fee, regardless of whether GA Foods subsequently contacts, considers, or hires the candidate.