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JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Procurement Specialist to oversee inventory management and purchasing of raw materials for our manufacturing facility located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must possess strong planning, organizational, and math skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word is essential. Experience in negotiating material contracts and food commodity buying is preferred. Additionally, the candidate must have excellent problem-solving and business decision-making skills. Strong communication abilities are required to effectively work with external suppliers and internal customers. The ability to coach and mentor direct reports is vital, and a background in food-related areas is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the replenishment of raw materials by coordinating with vendors across the country, considering lead times, storage requirements, and shelf life.
• Participate in periodic vendor plant audits with the QA manager.
• Ensure accurate pricing and freight costs for raw materials.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures by reviewing vendor price brackets, freight differentials, and alternative suppliers.
• Review daily exception reports and expedite materials as necessary for production.
• Serve as a liaison between the company and vendors regarding material issues, returns, reimbursements, and credits.
• Collaborate with R&D to procure new ingredients for customer formulations.
• Demonstrate crisis management skills and handle multiple tasks effectively when issues arise with raw materials.
• Act as the primary contact for all plant personnel and be available 24/7 to address any raw material-related issues that may jeopardize plant operations.
• Coordinate the transfer of raw materials between plants when formula shifts occur.
• Manage truckloads with the Logistics Department.
• Coordinate with the packaging team and Ryder to optimize weekly backhauls.
• Resolve discrepant invoices in DocuWare in collaboration with the accounting department.
• Provide coverage for other plants when buyers are unavailable.
• Submit weekly Supplyside variance reports and ensure accurate inventory counts.
• Review reports on dead inventory and short shelf raw materials.
• Facilitate quarterly inventory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, preferably with a business or math concentration. Alternatively, candidates with three to five years of related experience and/or training will be considered. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.