Senior Buyer

The Buyer is responsible for supporting senior leadership in ensuring a continuous supply of assigned products at the best possible cost to the organization. This role provides analytical support and insights to guide category strategies and decision-making, including evaluating sales volumes, production schedules, timelines, and industry trends. The Buyer plays a key role in day-to-day supply chain activities, contributing to operational efficiency, cost optimization, and overall business growth.

The Buyer will also manage relationships between franchisees, distributors, and suppliers, acting as a central point of communication to ensure alignment, coordination, and timely resolution of supply or operational disruptions.

Key Responsibilities

Supply & Procurement

• Support the team in ensuring a consistent and timely supply of competitively priced products.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders including marketing, culinary, innovation, and quality assurance teams.
• Collaborate on the introduction and rollout of new products.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance.
• Conduct industry research to support sourcing strategies, including supplier identification, market trends, and cost analysis.
• Generate and analyze reports to support decision-making and business needs.
• Develop and maintain pricing review schedules and ensure compliance with internal pricing procedures.
• Build and maintain cost analysis models to support sourcing decisions.
• Monitor supplier pricing and ensure transparency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Evaluate vendor capacity and distribution capabilities to meet quality, cost, and service expectations.
• Monitor supplier inventory levels to prevent supply disruptions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support successful product launches and inventory transitions.
• Track production schedules and supplier output for new and promotional products.
• Develop and manage timelines for product launches and promotional activities.
• Communicate marketing initiatives and demand requirements to suppliers.
• Provide additional support as needed to meet business priorities.

Distribution & Logistics

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with franchisees, distributors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Collaborate across departments such as purchasing, inventory planning, and logistics to ensure alignment.

Supply Chain & Performance Management

• Monitor distributor performance against service standards and track issue resolution.
• Review key performance indicators (KPIs) regularly to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Coordinate delivery schedules, including holiday planning and route optimization.
• Monitor distributor inventory levels and address potential shortages proactively.
• Partner with internal teams to resolve issues related to product quality, delivery, pricing, or service disruptions.
• Support promotional program execution and communication across stakeholders.
• Assist with sourcing, negotiation, and contracting of distribution services.
• Manage distributor transitions, including timelines, communications, and inventory movement.
• Lead coordination efforts during service disruptions and oversee recovery execution.
• Support product recalls and withdrawal processes, including communication and resupply efforts.

Franchisee Support

• Maintain updated contact lists and communication channels with franchisees and leadership teams.
• Conduct regular site visits or participate in meetings to gather feedback and share updates.
• Assist with resolution of quality, supply, and operational issues.
• Address franchisee requests in a timely and effective manner.
• Track and report additional fees or charges to support cost transparency and profitability.
• Monitor and communicate any financial or credit-related risks.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support preparation of reports and materials for leadership meetings.
• Assist with cross-functional initiatives and special projects as required.
• Provide support to broader supply chain and operational teams as directed by leadership.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–3 years of relevant experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related field.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)