Manufacturing Buyer Job at SmithFoods Orrville Inc. in Orrville

Manufacturing Buyer

Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Supply Chain Planning Manager-Frozen

Date: November 2024

Pursue Excellence.

We are an industry leader in food innovation.

We are an industry leader in quality.

And we are dedicated to providing our customers, consumers and associates with only the freshest ideas, products and growth opportunities.

Welcome to the Prairie Farms family.

High Quality. Always Fresh.

We are a leader in the dairy industry and have progressed into an innovative leader within private label and contract manufacturing services for dairy and non-dairy products.

Be an Owner.

The Corporate Buyers is responsible for the procurement of raw materials and finished goods for manufacturing plants, ensuring cost-efficiency, timely delivery, and supplier accountability.

Your Work Matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Procurement:

• Source direct materials, such as packaging, ingredients, and resale goods, based on production requirements
• Actively manage supplier relationships to meet on-time delivery, cost, and quality standards
• Analyze production requirements to drive procurement actions (e.g., expedite, defer, cancel)
• Oversee and confirm open orders, maintaining accurate delivery schedules
• Set and manage ordering parameters in ERP systems (e.g., DAX and Atlas MRP)
• Ensure pricing documentation is accurate and updated in systems
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives such as cost reduction, vendor-managed inventory, and safety stock
• Maintain proper records for orders, amendments and shipping documents
• Work cross-functionally with purchasing, quality, logistics, and R&D teams to support production goals and new product introductions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean principles (e.g., Six Sigma, Kanban)
• Contribute to cost-efficiency strategies across supply chain
• Respond proactively to issues, ensuring quick resolution
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to vacation back-up for other members of the Supply Chain team

Required Duties of all Associates:

• Manage all company business according to the cultural objectives of the company (values and
  behaviors)
• Understand and execute the principles of the company’s Operational Excellence program driving the
  right behaviors, standards and continuous improvement across all operating
  entities
• Participate in cross-functional teams as required to advance the business interests of the
  company
• Compliance with all company and regulatory policies/guidelines relating to associate safety, food
  safety and food quality

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in Supply Chain
• Bachelor’s Degree (Supply Chain, Business, etc.) or equivalent

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ERP systems
• Must have good organizational and problem solving skills
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently as well as with groups
• Drive for results. Inspire a sense of urgency in responding to issues and opportunities surrounding the role and the organizations overall goals and objectives
• Understanding of lean concepts (6 sigma, Kanban, Continuous Improvement etc.)
• At ease in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Must be able to drive quick and effective solutions to complex problems
• Insurable by company standards
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality

Travel:

• Occasional travel to other plants and locations and seminars and training sessions as needed
• Travel estimated at 5% to support business activities

Hours:

• Must be flexible with ability to work additional hours as workload, schedules and timetables dictate
• Monday – Friday, occasional weekends and holidays as required

EEO Statement: Prairie Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for employment, recruitment, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, pay, benefits, lay-off, demotion, or termination of employment will be made without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military status, ancestry, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state or local law.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Furthermore, they do not establish an employment contract and are subject to change at the discretion of the company.

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