Purchasing Analyst - Food ingredients (1144955)

About the role

Our client, a top food manufacturer based in VA/DC area, is currently seeking a Purchasing Analyst - Food Ingredients. Food manufacturing background needed and local highly preferred. This position is not remote work/based onsite. US Citizenship or Green Card Holder - no sponsorship available.

To plan, coordinate, and manage the procurement of food ingredients to support production forecasts. This role ensures timely and cost-effective purchasing aligned with the company's financial, operational, and inventory objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the timely execution of purchase orders and releases to meet production schedules.
• Recommend and implement enhancements to purchasing processes that improve efficiency and align with corporate objectives.
• Coordinate delivery schedules with internal plants and co-packers; resolve issues and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor market conditions, analyze industry trends, and propose cost strategies to meet business goals.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
• Drive cost reduction by challenging supplier pricing, identifying alternate sources, and initiating cost-saving initiatives.
• Negotiate supply contracts to ensure reliable, cost-effective procurement aligned with budgeted targets.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality, cost, and delivery standards; address deficiencies through corrective actions.
• Partner with suppliers to forecast market trends and establish accurate annual standard costs for the Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
• Represent the Purchasing team in cross-functional projects for both new and existing products, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Facilitate packaging graphic changes by serving as the liaison between the Graphics Department, R&D, production facilities, and packaging vendors.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in supplier interactions, promoting fairness and integrity in accordance with company's Values and Vision.

Requirements

• Must possess excellent organizational skills and project management skills
• Strong SAP Background and experience
• Proven experience in sourcing food ingredients with a strong focus on supplier evaluation for quality, food safety, reliability and cost optimization
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and projects at the same time
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be flexible/adaptable
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Good analytical skills for price evaluations, spend analysis, and inventory management
• Possess sound business judgment with practical approach to problem solving
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels within the organization

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree required
• 3-5 years of Supply Chain experience preferred
• Ability to travel on a limited basis; some international travel required

Pay

The approximate pay range for this position is $72K to 92K (plus bonus). This range is provided as a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.