Responsible for purchasing all packaging, ingredients, operating supplies, capital projects and MRO parts following established purchasing policies. Optimizes price, delivery and terms in accordance with all policies. The position typically purchases $3.5 - $5 million per year.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and approves purchase requisitions. Rationalizes inventory positions to optimize plant working capital.

• Evaluates existing suppliers and selects new suppliers. Ongoing supplier interviewing for innovative ideas and coordinates the testing and qualifications. Manages RFQ and RFP process to determine commodity price and length of strategic agreements.

• Analyzes and selects suppliers, issues purchase orders; follows up and expedites as necessary.

• Identifies potential suppliers and issues requests for quotations.

• Monitors market trends and conditions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university with emphasis in purchasing, materials management or agri-business; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Capable of communicating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in both written and oral formats.

• Planning, organization, and execution skills.

• Knowledge of ERP or MRP systems, Internet, Spreadsheet, Word and Excel software.

• C.P.M., A.P.P. or APICS certification.

• Proven cost savings history within purchasing.

• Strong negotiation skills.

• Must have a sold understanding of production planning within an MRP system.

• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisory responsibilities are not at all plant locations.

• Directly supervises two or more maintenance/purchasing clerks in the warehouse in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

• Have considerable input on interviewing, hiring, appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees.

• Sole supervisory responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds

• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and vibration.

• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud if in the factory.