Raw Material Planner

About the role

The Senior Buyer / Raw Material Planner is responsible for daily planning and ordering of ingredients, packaging, and supply materials in the most cost‑effective manner while maintaining quality and ensuring uninterrupted supply with appropriate inventory levels. This highly visible role requires extensive material‑planning experience, supplier and freight management, and data‑driven analysis to drive decision‑making and problem‑solving within a regulated food manufacturing environment. The role aligns with ILLES Foods’ core values: Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily purchasing activities with minimal direction to ensure timely availability of raw materials and supplies aligned with production schedules, customer demand, and forecasted requirements.
• Leverage data, reports, AI agents, and digital tools to regularly review inventory levels, order quantities, lead times, and shelf life, minimizing shortages, excess inventory, and write‑offs.
• Create, revise, confirm, track, and close purchase orders; proactively follow up on unconfirmed or past‑due POs and manage expedite costs as needed.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and system data, including pricing, lead times, minimum and maximum order quantities, pack sizes, freight terms, and supplier information.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, traceability, and documentation requirements.
• Reconcile, audit, and approve invoices to ensure pricing, quantities, and terms are accurate.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, Receiving, and Scheduling teams to resolve pricing, quantity, and delivery discrepancies and focus on process improvements.
• Escalate material supply risks that may impact production, inventory health, or customer service; participate in cross‑functional planning meetings as needed.
• Analyze supplier performance metrics (pricing, delivery, quality, timeliness) and follow up with suppliers to address quality issues.
• Manage the ordering process for supplies and collaborate with Operations to establish minimum supply levels and re‑ordering cadences.
• Leverage third‑party vendors where appropriate to drive efficiency and cost savings.
• Perform other duties as assigned; maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Finance, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 4–7 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management.
• Food industry experience required, particularly with ingredient sourcing and food manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management processes.
• Experience in RFP vendor negotiations, cost and spend analysis, and advanced forecasting strongly preferred.
• Procurement certification (CPIM or CPM) is a plus.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach above head, lift up to 50 pounds, and stand, sit, or walk for long periods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; advanced Excel skills required.

Skills

• Strategic problem solving and analytical thinking; ability to forecast material requirements using MRP, sales forecasts, and production plans.
• Negotiation and supplier management; capable of negotiating pricing and terms while maintaining productive partnerships.
• High attention to detail and compliance; ensures accuracy in purchasing data, contracts, and documentation.
• Cross‑functional collaboration; clear communication of material status and issues, and ability to challenge and gain support from colleagues.
• Organization and adaptability; manages multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment.
• Curiosity to leverage AI and digital tools for procurement analysis, reporting, and decision‑making.
• Flexibility and hands‑on mindset; proactively problem‑solves, offers solutions, and follows up on issues.

Benefits

• Career development and mentorship opportunities.
• Competitive pay.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with immediate match.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Life and disability insurance.
• Inclusive, core‑value driven team environment.

Schedule

Monday‑Wednesday onsite, Thursday‑Friday work from home.