Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Information

Since 1964, we have been the world’s largest supplier of fudge making equipment, ingredients, and marketing expertise. If you ever go on vacation (and we hope you do!), you’ve probably seen and maybe purchased our fudge. Since our fudge is always made fresh in each retail store (and sold under the retailer’s own name), we are the best kept secret in retail confectionary. With a strong presence in numerous countries and a vast network of retailers, including well-known establishments in the tourism sector, we are committed to delivering outstanding products and services.
Our company culture fosters growth and embodies the "Hungry, Humble, Smart" philosophy. We seek individuals who are driven, self-motivated, and always eager to learn and do more. Being humble, our team members prioritize the team over self and lack excessive ego or concerns about status. Additionally, they possess strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to work effectively with others. We value a strong work ethic and a positive & vibrant work environment.

Job Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, packaging, and supplies needed to support production and warehouse operations. This role ensures the right materials are purchased at the right cost, quality, and time to prevent production delays and stockouts.

This position plays a critical role in managing supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms, and monitoring supplier performance while balancing cost, quality, and delivery reliability.

With a strong focus on strategic sourcing and vendor management, the Purchasing Manager works closely with Supply Chain, Production, and Finance teams to ensure consistent material availability and cost control across all locations.

Responsibilities

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for raw materials, packaging, and indirect goods
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts with vendors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance including quality, pricing, and delivery reliability

Expected Result

• ≥ 98% supplier on-time delivery performance
• ≥ 2 competitive bids obtained for major purchases
• Measurable year-over-year reduction in material cost

Demand Planning & Forecasting Support

• Assist in developing demand forecasts based on historical data and sales trends
• Monitor forecast accuracy and flag significant variances
• Support inventory planning to balance service levels and carrying costs
• Analyze inventory levels to identify slow-moving, excess, or at-risk stock

Expected Result

• ≥ 90% forecast accuracy at the SKU level
• Variances flagged within 48 hours of identification
• Reduced instances of stockouts or excess inventory tied to forecast error
• Measurable reduction in excess or obsolete inventory over time

Purchase Order Management

• Create, issue, and track purchase orders in the ERP system
• Verify purchase orders align with production and inventory needs
• Coordinate with warehouse and production teams on delivery timing
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies with vendors in a timely manner

Expected Result

• ≥ 99% purchase order accuracy
• ≥ 98% on-time purchase order placement
• Minimal purchase order discrepancies

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Monitor material costs and identify opportunities for savings
• Track purchasing spend against budget
• Analyze market trends and pricing to inform purchasing decisions
• Recommend alternative suppliers or materials to control costs without sacrificing quality

Expected Result

• Purchasing spend within ± 2% of approved budget
• ≥ 2 cost-saving initiatives implemented annually

Supplier Performance & Compliance

• Track and score supplier performance on quality, cost, and delivery
• Ensure suppliers meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Address underperforming suppliers with corrective action plans
• Maintain up-to-date supplier contracts and certifications

Expected Result

• ≥ 95% supplier compliance with quality and safety standards
• ≤ 2% of orders requiring corrective action
• All supplier contracts current and on file

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

• Track and report key metrics such as cost savings, supplier performance, and on-time delivery
• Create, document, and continuously improve purchasing SOPs
• Maintain accurate data within ERP systems
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs

Expected Result

• ≥ 2 process improvements implemented annually
• ≥ 98% ERP data accuracy
• Measurable improvement in purchasing KPIs year-over-year

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required

• Experience
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or operations
• Hands-on experience negotiating with suppliers and managing purchase orders through an ERP/MRP system
• Experience working with multi-site operations and third-party logistics (3PL) providers preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Business Central, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)
• Advanced Excel skills (cost analysis, spend tracking, and forecasting)
• Experience with sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier evaluation methods
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and purchasing/reporting dashboards

Core Competencies

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Consistent track record of working effectively with cross-functional teams, ensuring clear communication, alignment on priorities, and efficient execution of day-to-day purchasing operations
• Ability to make data-driven sourcing decisions under pressure
• High attention to detail with a continuous growth mindset

As an integral member of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Paid Time Off Plan and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and/or Dependent Care Expenses
• Length of Service Awards
• Employee Assistance Program (employee benefit program that assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being).
• 401(k) Plan
• Life/AD&D Insurance

What makes Calico different from other companies?

• Ice Cream Fridays during fair weather months.
• On-Site Gym
• Birthday & Holiday Celebrations held to foster fun and team interaction.
• Employee Appreciation Events with great food, fun and team building for all team members and their families.
• Employee Referral Program financially rewards employees for referring qualified new hires to Calico. 

And, of course… Plenty of the Best Fudge You’ve Ever Tasted!

Want to make your world a little sweeter? Come join the Calico Cottage Confections team !

Job Type: Full-time/Exempt

Work Location: Amityville, NY

Travel: None

Salary Range: $85,000.00 – $105,000.00 annually

Calico Cottage Confections, LLC. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.