Position Summary

The Procurement Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring efficient ingredient acquisition to enhance the supply chain at Elite Spices. This position involves comprehensive market analysis and exceptional analytical skills to effectively negotiate with vendors while adhering to food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The Procurement Specialist collaborates with various departments, including Sales, Product Development, Quality Control, and Technical Teams, to maintain an uninterrupted supply and cost-effective purchasing strategies, fostering partnerships that contribute to the company’s long-term success.

Position Responsibilities

• Procure ingredients following physical, chemical, and microbiological specifications, flavor standards, food safety guidelines, and relevant federal regulations.
• Develop and optimize effective purchasing strategies and inventory levels based on historical data, demand forecasting, and market trends to meet production and sales needs.
• Select and evaluate ingredient suppliers based on reliability, quality, cost-effectiveness, and performance metrics.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with vendors.
• Communicate purchasing opportunities, cost changes, and potential market disruptions to management.
• Propose alternatives for cost savings, availability, or problematic products.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing, Sales, Product Development, Quality Control, Customer Service, and Technical teams regarding supply requirements.
• Provide market availability insights to Sales and Customer Service as needed.
• Process purchase orders; track and verify deliveries.
• Support logistics procedures to facilitate timely product arrivals.
• Address supplier issues related to quality, performance, delivery, or compliance.
• Assess purchased materials upon receipt to ensure they meet specifications.
• Maintain complete and accurate purchasing records, including purchase orders, invoices, pricing, and contracts.
• Report ingredient costs for inventory valuation and pricing purposes.
• Authorize payments and provide necessary documentation to Accounting for timely vendor payments.
• Occasional exposure to dust, spices, heat, and cold may occur.

Qualifications

• High school diploma; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or related fields is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is essential.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to make strategic decisions with sound judgment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Professional, courteous demeanor.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.