Senior Buyer/Planner - Food and Beverage

Job title: Senior Buyer/Planner - Food and Beverage in Wood Dale, IL at Michael Page

Company: Michael Page

Job description: As a Senior Buyer/Planner, you will play a key role in ensuring that production schedules are met, inventory levels are optimized, and supply chain activities run smoothly.

• Purchasing & Sourcing: Lead the purchasing process for raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and finished goods. Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships to secure favorable pricing, quality, and delivery terms.


• Demand Planning & Forecasting: Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, marketing, and production, to develop accurate demand forecasts. Use forecasting tools and historical data to ensure that required materials and products are available to meet production schedules.


• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels for both raw materials and finished goods, ensuring adequate stock to support production without creating excess inventory. Monitor and manage inventory turnover to avoid spoilage, waste, or stockouts.


• Production Planning: Coordinate with the production team to ensure that materials are available in line with the production plan. Adjust procurement plans based on changes in demand or production schedules, ensuring minimal disruption.


• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating pricing, lead times, and service agreements. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, addressing any quality, delivery, or cost issues.


• Cost Control & Budgeting: Manage procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing while maintaining product quality. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, negotiate discounts, and optimize supply chain processes.


• Quality Assurance: Ensure that purchased materials meet required quality standards and comply with industry regulations, including food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, FDA regulations). Collaborate with the quality control team to address any quality issues.


• Risk Management & Problem Solving: Identify supply chain risks, such as material shortages or delays, and work proactively to resolve issues. Develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.


• Data Analysis & Reporting: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement, planning, and inventory management. Analyze trends, provide forecasts, and generate reports for senior management to support strategic decision-making.


• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support: Work closely with the supply chain, production, and sales teams to ensure alignment of procurement and planning activities with company goals. Participate in regular cross-functional meetings to discuss challenges and opportunities.


• Process Improvement: Continuously assess and improve procurement and planning processes, leveraging technology and best practices to increase efficiency, reduce lead times, and minimize costs.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field.


• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in procurement, buying, or planning within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.


• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, industry regulations, and quality assurance practices (e.g., HACCP, FDA, USDA regulations).


• Proficiency in supply chain planning and procurement software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Excel, or similar systems).


• Demonstrated experience in demand planning, inventory management, and supplier negotiation in a manufacturing environment.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.


• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen ability to make data-driven decisions.


• Detail-oriented with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Strong negotiation skills and experience with contract management and supplier performance evaluations.


• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a dynamic and evolving environment.


• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, APICS) is a plus.

• A competitive salary range of $90,000 - $115,000.


• Hybrid work model - 2 days work from home


• Collaborative company culture focused on innovation and sustainability.


• Comprehensive benefits package.

Expected salary: $90000 per year

Location: Wood Dale, IL

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