Raw Material Ingredients Buyer

About the role

In this role, you will procure Raw Material Ingredients for our coffee and juice products. The position requires a deep understanding of the supply base within the Food and Beverage sector of the CPG industry. The ideal candidate is analytically strong and operationally grounded, responsible for creating and executing strategies to optimize value, reduce costs, manage inventory, ensure pricing transparency, drive supplier innovation, maintain supply continuity, collaborate cross-functionally, and develop strong supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive category strategies, including spend analytics, buy patterns, and supplier identification to support company objectives.
• Monitor market and pricing trends, as well as cost drivers, to manage risks and ensure competitive cost advantages; provide regular updates to leadership.
• Negotiate contracts (spot buys, annual, and other coverage agreements) and terms with suppliers in compliance with food-grade specifications, regulatory requirements, and Finlays Solutions standards.
• Issue purchase orders, resolve supplier issues, and verify contract terms (pricing, quantities, delivery) are met.
• Monitor inventory and collaborate with supply chain, production, and warehouse teams to prevent shortages or overstock.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships, ensuring supplier KPIs and competitive pricing are achieved.
• Collaborate with R&D, SRM, and Quality teams on new product sourcing, supplier approvals, and sustainability goals.
• Support audits and regulatory inspections by providing procurement and/or supplier documentation.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, agricultural economics, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing raw material ingredient purchases on a multi-unit global scale in the Food and Beverage sector of the CPG industry.
• Strong negotiation skills and understanding of commodity market data and trends to make informed purchasing decisions and cost-saving initiatives.
• Knowledge of total cost of ownership principles, price transparency, and continuous improvement strategies for competitive market-based pricing.
• Strong analytical skills, including cost benchmarking and developing data-driven recommendations.
• Experience with ERP systems; D365 is desirable.

Physical Demands

• Willingness to work additional hours and adjust schedule to support team goals and meet deadlines.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, and squatting.
• Capable of working in environments with exposure to inclement weather, odors, dust, moderate noise, and temperature fluctuations.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields.
• Physically capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team assistance.
• Use of hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment.

Work Environment

Employees must work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation. Adherence to all health and safety work practices is required.

Quality Statement

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements to produce consistently safe, quality products.
• Document the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers to maintain GMPs, allergen controls, food defense, and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner, prioritizing customer needs.
• Participate in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exhibit understanding of quality and food safety standards and articulate your role in the Finlays quality and food safety system.

Travel required: 25%. Location: Preferred San Antonio, TX (Glenview, IL and remote options considered).