OVERVIEW

The Junior Buyer qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services for Suzy's Cream Cheesecakes. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Manager, this role requires tact, while maintaining high ethical standards in dealing with a multitude of suppliers to effectively obtain supplies needed to meet the production needs in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Procure raw and packaging materials from vendors.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price.
• Coordinate with vendors to communicate forecasts, expectations, and performance.
• Schedule and update shipment schedule as needed.
• Continuously improve accuracy and efficiency of purchasing processes and the information systems that use them.
• Daily monitoring of shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and in the event of problems trace shipments and follow up on undelivered goods.
• Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
• Develop strategies to improve inventory accuracy.
• Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories.
• Minimize waste.
• Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs.
• Assist Supply Chain Manager with vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services and prices.
• Record and work towards absolving aged materials.
• Daily monitoring of inventory levels.
• Daily monitoring of expired dates of perishable inventory.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• 1-3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in purchasing, equipment and services.
• Relevant experience working in the food processing industry (preferred)

Skills and Knowledge:

• Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work well under pressure and quickly assess and respond appropriately to questions.
• Ability to adapt to change and learn quickly.
• General understanding of MRP concepts and ERP systems.
• Professional level communication skills.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management and ability to work with multiple departments.
• Ability to work as a contributing member within the team.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• Epicor knowledge is a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, the Junior Buyer must be able to demonstrate the following Job competencies:

• Team Orientation – Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expecting others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.
• Attention to Detail – Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.
• Takes Personal Responsibility in Individual Contributor Role – Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.
• Practical Intelligence – Absorbs new information quickly and is comfortable dealing with abstract concepts and relationships; relates new information to previously acquired knowledge to expand and refine frame of reference; enjoys learning and expanding breadth and depth of understanding on variety of subjects.
• Reliability/Dependability – Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows-through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
• Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Positive Working Relationships – Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standard office setting.
• Noise level in work environment is moderate.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities to fulfill the requirements of the position.

• 1-3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in purchasing, equipment and services.
• Relevant experience working in the food processing industry (preferred)