JSK Recruiting Inc
Senior Buyer / Category Manager
JSK Recruiting Inc, New Orleans, LA, United States
Senior Buyer / Category Manager
Location: New Orleans, LA
Position Summary
The Senior Buyer / Category Manager is responsible for managing the procurement and inventory of raw materials required for production. This role focuses on optimizing productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. By leveraging extensive supply chain expertise, the Senior Buyer will ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, while also supporting interdepartmental collaboration to meet company goals.
Key Responsibilities
If you are an experienced purchasing professional looking to contribute to a dynamic team, apply now to help drive our mission of operational excellence.
#ZR
Location: New Orleans, LA
Position Summary
The Senior Buyer / Category Manager is responsible for managing the procurement and inventory of raw materials required for production. This role focuses on optimizing productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. By leveraging extensive supply chain expertise, the Senior Buyer will ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, while also supporting interdepartmental collaboration to meet company goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Management
- Oversee the ordering of raw ingredients and packaging materials to ensure continuous production.
- Communicate and coordinate with vendors to schedule and follow up on the delivery of materials, including intercompany transfers.
- Data & Systems Management
- Input and confirm purchase orders in the Great Plains ERP system, ensuring accuracy in pricing, delivery timelines, and freight details.
- Maintain and update vendor files, pricing structures, and contract changes.
- Inventory Control
- Execute and monitor inventory stock levels, reorder points, and lead times to maintain optimal PAR levels.
- Manage reports on perishables, packaging, inventory, and obsolete materials to prevent shortages or excess.
- Cross-Functional Support
- Collaborate with departments such as Plant Operations, Corporate Purchasing, Accounting, and Sales to align procurement activities with company objectives.
- Provide insights and support for planning future material needs based on forecasts and historical data.
- Process Improvement
- Assist in developing and automating procurement and logistics software solutions.
- Contribute to the creation of training materials and lesson plans for expanded ERP modules.
- BS/BA is required, ideally in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Economics, Finance or similar education
- Certification in Supply Chain Management preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in food purchasing
- Proven ability to reduce costs and develop strong supplier relationships.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, and Word.
- Strong negotiation skills with experience in securing manufacturing and service agreements.
- Knowledge of materials, products, and commodity markets.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to proactively address challenges and deliver results.
- Experience with modern procurement and purchasing techniques.
- Familiarity with ERP systems, such as Great Plains.
If you are an experienced purchasing professional looking to contribute to a dynamic team, apply now to help drive our mission of operational excellence.
#ZR