Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

**********STAFFING AGENCIES AND RECRUITING FIRMS - PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT BAKE'N JOY FOR THIS ROLE**********

Buyer

Family-owned and operated, Bake’n Joy Foods, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of top-quality bakery products, founded in 1941. We manufacture a variety of products for professional bakers, including frozen scoop batters, pre-deposited muffins, cornbread, loaf cakes, and Boston Coffee Cakes, as well as mixes and an expanding line of fully baked items such as coffee cakes, loaf cakes, and more. We remain committed to providing top-quality products, service, and value to our customers.

Job Summary/Objective

The Buyer is responsible for the procurement of key raw materials, packaging, and supplies essential to Bake’n Joy’s operations. This role supports supplier relationships, leads sourcing activities, and ensures the continual improvement of the supplier network to strengthen supply availability and reduce costs. The Buyer acts as a purchasing agent, contributing to the company's overall profitability and operational efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Manage day-to-day procurement activities, fostering healthy relationships with suppliers.
• Issue Purchase Orders and all necessary documentation for procuring ingredients, packaging, labels, and other indirect services.
• Address and resolve issues related to schedule adherence, supplier on-time delivery, shelf life, quality, and pricing in collaboration with internal departments.
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers/products as needed.
• Participate in vendor and supplier review meetings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in New Product Development and Production Planning to plan and source materials.
• Forecast procurement needs, monitor stock levels, maintain safety stock, and expedite deliveries as required.
• Oversee the flow of key materials and ingredients, including inbound transportation, ensuring optimal inventory levels.
• Work with R&D and Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) to source and qualify raw materials, addressing vendor quality issues and minimizing returns.
• Collect and manage documentation related to supplier and raw material approvals (e.g., spec sheets, SQF documents).
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, driving improvements and enhancing company profitability.
• Provide after-hours and weekend communication as needed to address urgent production issues.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Windows-based PC programs and ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Skilled in process improvement and cross-functional coordination.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Work Environment

• This position operates in a professional office and manufacturing environment. May require occasional visits to supplier sites or production facilities.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift items up to 25 pounds.

Position Type

• Full-Time

Work Hours

• Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, with some flexibility. After-hours and weekend communication may be required.

Travel

• Minimal travel required, primarily local or regional.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent business experience.
• 2-4 years of progressive experience in Purchasing & Sourcing within the manufacturing industry.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Experience in food manufacturing is preferred.
• Familiarity with SQF and other quality standards is a plus.

Compensation

The typical starting salary range for this position is $62,000-$80,000 a year. Several factors, including skills, experience, education, certifications, and the location of the job will determine the actual pay offered. The salary range for this role reflects the competitive labor market value for associates in these positions. 

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. Bake’n Joy offers its full-time associates a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes affordable, quality healthcare for our associates and their families, life insurance and disability benefits to provide security, and retirement benefits to help plan for the financial future. 

Bake’n Joy is committed to fostering an environment where associates from all backgrounds can build long and meaningful careers. Through strong relationships, comprehensive benefits, and continuous learning opportunities, we seek to create an environment where associates can succeed, both professionally and personally.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Bake’n Joy 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.