Buyer III

Are you ready for your next adventure? At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose‑driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze‑drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We’re driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we’re always looking ahead to what’s next. We’re proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you’re passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn’t just a place to work, it’s where your adventure begins. We are looking for a Buyer III to join our Procurement team. This position plays a key role in driving the company’s procurement strategy through market research, supplier engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration. Focusing on sourcing raw materials and packaging solutions, this role supports product development, commercialization, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate is strategic, actively drives change, brings deep knowledge of supplier negotiations and contract management, excels at building strong partnerships, and has significant experience in optimizing sourcing processes to deliver cost savings and quality outcomes. You Will Get To Demonstrate leadership within the Procurement Department. Help plan and support the development of others’ skills and abilities so that they can fulfill current or future job responsibilities more effectively. Understand how the organization must change in light of internal and external trends and influences; keeps the big, long‑range picture in mind; builds a shared long‑range organizational vision with others. Committed to a course of action to achieve long‑range goals and influences others to translate vision into action. Manage and negotiate significant material contracts and supply agreements to ensure compliance of terms, lead‑times, and deliveries. Takes initiative to work through the RFP process based on timing for the applicable markets and seasonality of raw materials. Utilize market insight and conditions for industries affecting material cost and availability to internal stakeholders and develop strategies to mitigate risks. Seek opportunities and calculate risks to accomplish results that can lead to substantial benefits knowing the real possibility of significant negative consequences. Develop and implement processes and tools within the Procurement Department to achieve continuous improvement. Contribute to weekly Level 10 Meetings by running and assessing reports that feed the dashboard and adding current issues/topics to the agenda for issue resolution. Participates in continuing education (ISM, APICS, or equivalent) and industry networking. Participate in continuous improvement of department procedures and processes using change management tools and methodology. Facilitates the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace; encourages others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities. Maintain knowledge of the Procurement Department’s Strategic goals and provide recommendations on methods and actions to achieve them. May be called upon, at the discretion of Procurement Manager, to perform other activities or fulfill assignments in other areas as required. Responsible for all duties and responsibilities contained within Buyer I and Buyer II job descriptions. Support compliance with all SQF, FDA, and USDA regulations. Exhibit professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflect positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices. Embody OFD’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department and company culture. We Are Looking For Someone Who Has Generally, a minimum of six (6) years of experience in Purchasing, preferably within a manufacturing environment. A bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or a related field (preferred). Active participation in continuing education and industry networking (e.g., ISM, APICS, or equivalent). Demonstrated knowledge of various inventory management and control theories. Understanding of general manufacturing processes and procedures. Demonstrated strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; and ERP. Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally with others, both internal and external. Ability to analyze cost, quality, and inventory data to determine areas of opportunity for improvement. ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent certificate preferred. Thriving together: Your OFD Total Rewards and Benefits Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs. Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility. Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting. Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected. Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four‑legged family members. Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time. Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities. Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product. Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members. Oregon Freeze Dry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. We value diversity and are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr