Buyer

About the role

At Link Snacks we hunt down challenges, move fast, and swing big to keep the North Woods spirit alive across our global brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, Peperami®, KOOEE!® and more. We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results with real meat, real people, and real urgency. If you’re humble, gritty, and ready to raise the bar, we want you on the team.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate price, availability, quality, and warranties of materials.
• Place purchase orders, maintain blanket orders for long-lead items, and initiate new projects as supply needs arise.
• Verify that all production, maintenance, and packaging materials arrive in time to meet schedules.
• Maintain minimum inventory levels while accommodating limited warehouse space.
• Enter all requirements into SAP, producing purchase orders and stock transfers.
• Communicate with vendors to release supplies and meet weekly schedule demands.
• Coordinate with logistics to arrange transportation when needed.
• Check supplier warehouses weekly to track outside inventories.
• Order long-lead-time items such as film and caddies; maintain contact with suppliers to ensure on-time production.
• Negotiate component pricing, release blanket purchase orders, and schedule deliveries to meet production targets while controlling inventory.
• Review purchasing and receiving records, process invoices promptly, and ensure applicable discounts are applied.
• Work closely with Accounting (A/P) to verify invoice accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Verify large swing items at period end; contact suppliers about defective items and secure proper credit returns.
• Meet with vendors regularly to discuss quality issues, outdated materials, new projects, and shipping problems.
• Receive weekly inventory and supply requirements from supervisors; set up new vendors as needed.
• Flex hours as required to ensure coverage; perform duties independently with minimal direction.
• Follow OSHA and company safety standards, wear required PPE, maintain safety equipment, and report accidents or deficiencies immediately.
• Keep a safe, clean, and organized work area.

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or GED.
• Required: 1+ years of related experience.
• Preferred: Previous buying experience and/or an associate degree or equivalent.
• Required: Working knowledge of SAP.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Organize and prioritize in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including spelling and grammar.
• Follow written and verbal instructions; proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and intermediate Excel.
• Perform basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).
• Collaborate effectively with remote colleagues and cross-functional teams.
• Identify and implement improvements to continuously enhance support activities.
• Proactively solve work-related problems and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Independently manage projects and work effectively with all levels of management and employees.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $85,000 – $100,000 annually. Actual wage varies based on market data, internal equity, location, and candidate experience. Base pay is one component of a total rewards package that may include annual incentives and program-specific awards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) participation.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.

Physical demands

The role regularly requires standing, walking, using hands to finger/handle objects, lifting and/or moving up to 25 lbs, and talking or hearing. Occasionally required: sitting, reaching with hands and arms, and lifting/moving up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work environment

Plant/office setting with varying temperatures and noise levels; exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. Travel may be required.