Purchasing Coordinator – Raw Materials

TheCorporate • Full-time • Boston, MA, US • $85k - $95k / year • 4m ago

Job Title: Buyer – Raw Ingredients

Location: Boston, MA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Raw Ingredient Buyer to manage inventory and procurement of raw materials essential for manufacturing finished goods at our facility. This role requires strong multi-tasking abilities, excellent planning and organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

The ideal candidate will have experience in negotiating material contracts, with food commodity purchasing experience as a plus. Strong problem-solving, business decision-making, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with suppliers and internal teams. Leadership experience, including coaching and mentoring direct reports, is highly valued. A background or interest in food-related industries is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Manage raw material replenishment, considering lead times, storage needs, and shelf life.
Build truckload shipments from vendors across the country.
Participate in vendor plant audits alongside the QA team.
Ensure accurate pricing of raw materials and freight costs.
Identify cost-saving opportunities by analyzing vendor pricing, freight differentials, and alternative suppliers.
Review daily exception reports with scheduling and expedite materials as necessary.
Serve as the liaison between vendors and internal teams to resolve material issues, returns, and reimbursements.
Assist R&D in sourcing new ingredients for customer formulations.
Handle crisis management related to raw material shortages or quality issues.
Act as the primary contact for plant personnel, ensuring raw material availability 24/7.
Coordinate raw material transfers between facilities.
Work with the Logistics Department to manage truckload shipments efficiently.
Collaborate with packaging teams and Ryder to maximize weekly backhauls.
Resolve invoice discrepancies with Accounting through DocuWare.
Provide coverage for other facilities when buyers are out.
Submit weekly supply variance reports and adjust inventory accordingly.
Review dead inventory and short-shelf-life materials.
Oversee quarterly inventory responsibilities.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Mathematics, or a related field preferred.
3-5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related fields.
Strong negotiation skills with experience in material contract management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Experience in food commodity purchasing is a plus.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively.
Leadership experience, including mentoring and coaching.

Skills: microsoft excel,problem-solving,analytical skills,leadership,supply chain management,raw ingredients,microsoft word,collaboration,buyer,decision-making,coaching,negotiation,procurement,communication,materials