Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About Us
Il Pastaio di Brescia is an Italian pasta and gnocchi company known for premium quality, authentic craftsmanship, and innovation in food production. Our products are enjoyed across the U.S. and internationally, and were proud to launch our first U.S. manufacturing facility right here in Allenwood, Pennsylvania . This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing operation rooted in Italian tradition, with a strong focus on quality, teamwork, and people.

Position Summary:
The Purchasing Specialist supports the company by coordinating the purchase of materials, supplies, services, and equipment required for daily plant operations. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate purchasing records, working with vendors, supporting inventory availability, and helping ensure that purchases are completed timely, cost-effectively, and in accordance with company policies. The position requires strong organization, follow-up, communication, and attention to detail to support production continuity and overall business needs.

Competencies & Activities

Purchasing & Purchase Order Management
Create, process, and track purchase orders for raw materials, packaging, spare parts, supplies, services, and other business needs
Verify purchase requests for accuracy, required approvals, pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and supporting documentation
Coordinate with internal departments to confirm purchasing needs, priorities, specifications, and delivery requirements
Monitor open purchase orders and follow up on delivery status, delays, backorders, or discrepancies
Maintain organized purchasing files, purchase order records, quotations, approvals, and related documentation

Vendor & Supplier Coordination
Communicate with vendors and suppliers regarding pricing, product availability, lead times, delivery schedules, and order status
Request quotes, compare pricing, and assist with identifying cost-effective purchasing options
Support vendor onboarding by collecting required documents such as W-9 forms, payment information, certifications, and contact details
Assist with maintaining vendor records, preferred supplier lists, and supplier communication history
Escalate supplier service, quality, delivery, or pricing concerns to management in a timely manner

Inventory & Materials Support
Work closely with inventory control, warehouse, production, and planning teams to support material availability
Assist in monitoring stock levels, reorder needs, and potential shortages that may impact production or operations
Coordinate purchasing activity for raw materials, packaging, ingredients, maintenance parts, sanitation supplies, PPE, and general plant supplies
Support receiving and invoice-matching processes by helping resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, deliveries, and vendor invoices
Assist with maintaining accurate item descriptions, units of measure, pricing, and supplier information in purchasing or inventory systems

Cost Control & Compliance
Follow company purchasing procedures, approval levels, documentation requirements, and internal controls
Assist with reviewing pricing, freight charges, minimum order quantities, and payment terms to support cost control
Help identify opportunities for savings, improved lead times, vendor consolidation, and process improvements
Support compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements when purchasing applicable materials or services
Communicate any irregularities, urgent risks, or non-compliant purchasing activity to a supervisor promptly

Administrative & Reporting Support
Maintain purchasing reports, open order trackers, vendor lists, and purchasing documentation
Assist with preparing reports related to purchase activity, delivery status, pricing, and supplier performance as requested by management
Coordinate with Finance/Accounting to resolve invoice issues, missing documentation, payment questions, or vendor account discrepancies
Support general administrative tasks related to purchasing, procurement, and supply chain activities

Key Competencies
Basic understanding of purchasing, procurement, inventory, and vendor management processes
Strong attention to detail and accuracy when reviewing purchase orders, pricing, quantities, and documentation
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook
Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, suppliers, and internal departments
Strong organization, follow-up, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Problem-solving skills to help resolve order, delivery, inventory, and invoice discrepancies
Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to handle pricing, vendor, and business information with confidentiality
Team-oriented attitude with a focus on supporting operations and business continuity

Benefits
We value our employees and offer a strong benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match 100% vested after 1 year
• Rewarding Paid Time Off

Stable, growing organization with training and advancement opportunities

Why Join Us?
Youll be part of a company bringing authentic Italian food craftsmanship to the United States and helping build something new and meaningful. If you value teamwork, quality, and growth, wed love to have you on our team.