Job Title: Buyer - Raw Materials

Reports to: Category Director, Fruits and Vegetables

Key Internal Partners: R&D, Demand Planning, Marketing, Supply Chain, Corp and Plant Quality, Operations, Accounting

Key External Partners: Suppliers

Location: Traverse City, MI or Nampa, ID

Job Summary:

The Buyer – Raw Materials is responsible for assuring continuous supply and timely procurement of assigned raw materials. They are responsible for recommending supply arrangements and managing their supplier relationships. They must keep abreast of changing market/procurement conditions, crop dynamics, new technology, new market entrants, as well as make recommendations to insure an uninterrupted flow of materials to the production facilities. The Buyer utilizes analytical, marketing, sales and buying knowledge to cost-effectively source and secure materials in support of baseline business as well as new product innovation. They are also responsible for generating contracts in VIF (Plant Information System), qualifying secondary suppliers and managing optimum service levels.

Job Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Source and Purchase raw materials
  • Generate market analysis of their raw materials to recommend and support sourcing strategy
  • Responsible for developing the annual contract recommendations to meet the companies’ current and future requirements
  • Proactively communicate with sales, demand planning, production scheduling and suppliers to ensure clear understanding, agreement, and communication of all supply requirements
  • Manage price projections, standard pricing and meeting budgetary goals
  • Assist R&D Department in the sourcing and procurement of materials for all new product innovation in their scope
• Supplier/Vendor Management
  • Source and maintain supply base to meet the quality and regulatory requirements of MNA
  • Support supplier performance reviews
  • Work with R&D and Supplier Quality to identify and approve alternate sources of supply
  • Assist in resolving non-compliant material claims with a strong focus on root cause analysis to decrease overall non-compliance.
  • Support operational objectives through sourcing initiatives
  • Support CSR initiatives through the EcoVadis platform
• Data Analysis and Forecasting
  • Present comprehensive data to Management for buying and contracting decisions
  • Conduct spend analysis, manage inventory levels and look for cost savings opportunities
  • Prepare, report and communicate cost savings and forecast variances for purchasing area of responsibility
• All other duties as assigned

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

• Responsible for Purchasing Price Variance Associated with their spend in both facilities
• Responsible for annual budget and business plan preparation for their respective items
• NCMR Dollars – Claimed vs. Recovered (85% recovery)

Position Requirements:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in purchasing, materials management, or agri-business

EXPERIENCE

• 2-7 years of experience in a materials-related function or equivalent combination of education and/or experience

SKILLS

• Background in purchasing, scheduling, forecasting, supply chain or planning
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
• Experience buying agricultural products
• Extensive spreadsheet analysis and strong mathematical skills with extreme accuracy
• Ability to effectively present information
• Planning, organization, and execution skills
• Knowledge of ERP or MRP systems, Internet, Microsoft Word Processing and Excel spreadsheets
• Proven cost savings history within Purchasing
• Strong negotiation skills

PHYSICAL & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able work in normal office conditions.
• Able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Must be able to work a minimum of 8 hours per day and be on his/her feet for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to travel domestically and (10-20%)