Chairmans Foods specializes in producing a wide range of high quality, consistent customer solutions - main courses, side dishes, queso, ready-to-eat protein salads custom solutions for foodservice operators and retail stores. Chairmans has succeeded over the years with open communication, integrity, and with a deep commitment to southern hospitality.
Driven by our mission, vision and values, employee and food safety are always our top priority. www.chairmansfoods.com
Materials Buyer/Planner (Food Manufacturing Industry)
As a Materials Buyer/Planner, you play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient operation of our food manufacturing facility. If you have the preferred qualifications and are passionate about the food industry, we invite you to apply and join our team.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Materials Buyer/Planner to join our team in the food manufacturing industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the procurement, planning, and inventory management of raw materials, packaging materials, and supplies to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining a focus on quality and sustainability.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute purchasing strategies to procure raw materials, packaging materials, and supplies, while optimizing cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Analyze and forecast material requirements using the company's ERP system and inventory management tools, ensuring timely and accurate planning and replenishment.
- Negotiate and maintain contracts and agreements with suppliers, evaluating supplier performance and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Collaborate with the production, sales, and product development teams to understand product specifications, production schedules, and anticipated demand.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely communication of requirements, order status updates, and resolution of issues.
- Monitor inventory levels at offsite warehouses to minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and obsolete materials, maintaining optimal inventory turns.
- Perform regular audits of inventory to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies, taking corrective action as needed.
- Develop, track, and report key performance metrics to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional teams to support new product launches and operational improvement projects.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and sustainability goals in procurement and inventory management processes.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field. (Preferred)
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in purchasing and inventory management, preferably within the food manufacturing industry.
- Solid understanding of food safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, SQF, BRC).
- Proficiency in ERP systems, inventory management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Strong negotiation skills, with a focus on cost reduction and supplier performance improvement.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability, and ethical procurement practices.
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification preferred but not required.
Chairmans Foods is an EEO employer and conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the hiring process.
