Junior Buyer

About the role

This role manages day-to-day procurement activities, maintains optimal inventory levels, develops supplier relationships, and supports cost-reduction initiatives while ensuring uninterrupted production. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and demonstrates strong organizational, analytical, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute procurement strategies that support company goals and operational requirements.
• Source raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and related supplies to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service agreements with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable commercial terms.
• Support Request for Proposal (RFP) activities for new and existing suppliers.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers while monitoring supplier performance.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess inventory and working capital.
• Track procurement metrics, including inventory performance, purchase price variance (PPV), and cost savings.
• Prepare procurement reports, analyses, and recommendations to support informed business decisions.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
• Identify supply chain challenges and implement timely solutions.
• Support production schedules by expediting materials when necessary.
• Coordinate material readiness for new product launches, including initial inventory planning and replenishment strategies.
• Monitor commodity markets and supplier trends to anticipate potential risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Quality, Research and Development (R&D), Finance, and Logistics to support business objectives.
• Maintain supplier contracts and purchasing documentation.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled by securing required ingredients and packaging materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One to three years of progressive procurement or strategic sourcing experience, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Experience procuring food commodities including proteins, produce, specialty ingredients, packaging, and related supplies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel with strong analytical capabilities.
• SAP experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functional teams and deliver results with urgency.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.

About the company

Kevin’s Natural Foods is a line of healthy entrées, sides, and sauces on a mission to make clean eating delicious and accessible. Kevin’s guilt-free, sous-vide entrées and sides, and signature certified paleo, keto, and gluten-free sauces allow health-conscious home cooks to whip up delicious meals in five minutes or less. All products contain no refined sugar, artificial ingredients, grains, or soy, and are made with antibiotic- and hormone-free meat. The company is a true market disruptor and the first clean refrigerated entrée brand, with products available at leading grocery retailers nationwide including Costco, Whole Foods, Albertsons, HEB, and Publix.

Pay

Base salary range: $72,000.00–$78,000.00 annually plus benefits and bonus. Compensation within this range is dependent on the candidate's experience, education, and relevant qualifications.