Sr. Buyer

TITLE: Senior Buyer
DIVISION: Purchasing
REPORTS TO: Purchasing Manager
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt / Salary

Gold Star Foods is the leading food distributor to K-12 schools in the United States. We are a company devoted to providing our customers with incredible customer service. We know that it is our teammates who make the difference! Join our team and find out what it is like to work somewhere where you enjoy getting up for work every day!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior Buyer, under the direction of the Purchasing Manager, plays a critical role in managing the procurement process and building relationships with suppliers. They must be able to communicate effectively with vendors, suppliers, and internal teams, and pricing, and analyze purchasing data to optimize purchasing processes. This is a remote position, but candidates must be in Georgia.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead the procurement category team in evaluating vendors and suppliers based on price, quality, availability, reliability, possible subs and technical support.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as category management, sales, and logistics to determine purchasing needs and requirements.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels to avoid stockouts and overstocking.
• Ensure timely delivery of goods and services to meet company needs.
• Analyze purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize purchasing processes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Participate in vendor performance meetings with Category Management.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and delivery dates.
• Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions, including diversifying alternative solutions.
• Evaluate market trends and pricing to ensure competitive pricing and sourcing of products and services.
• Under the direction of the Purchasing Manager and Supervisor, will provide leadership and guidance to the procurement team, including assigning tasks, and setting goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:
• Supplier relationship management
• Inventory Management
• Procurement Ethics
• Strong on negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and purchasing software systems.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and procedures.
• Leadership skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work remote in the state of Georgia.

EDUCATION/EXPIERENCE:
• Bachelor's degree/associate's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field is a plus but not a requirement, or 5+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing role, or related field.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Professional office environment. Primary office environment is ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required. May include lifting to 25 pounds on occasion.

EOE M/W/Vet/Disabled

The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned. In the event of an absence where the teammate cannot perform these duties, the Manager will determine who shall perform these duties.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.