Senior Buyer, Operations

We're looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone's journeys better.
Reporting to the Manager, Central Purchasing, the Senior Buyer is responsible for purchasing all food products and supplies according to airline specifications and approved suppliers. Monitors days on hand to meet financial requirements, and well as inventory levels in the unit. Coordinates all deliveries to ensure on time delivery for daily production requirements. Monitors menus and meal cycle changes for purchasing requirements. Oversees and ensures the accuracy of information received from the responsible unit(s). Monitors the SAP Coordinator activities to support the responsible unit(s)

Annual Hiring Range:

• $85,000-$95,000/Per Year

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401k, with company match
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Discounts

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Using SAP or current ERP system including Materials and Production BOMs along with customer flight schedules to determine quantities of all customer-required food, beverage, and related menu components along with Kitchen Operational Materials.
• Follows appropriate forecasting and analyzing procedures of load factor trends to determine appropriate quantities of required product purchases, and to eliminate stock overages and shortages
• Monitors inventory, usages, waste, and stock differences of materials and assures all products are wholesome for customer use
• Supports unit(s) in generating and establishing and accurate daily requisition system which is monitored, and maintained monthly cycle changes for any BOM and Forecasting errors
• Audits and ensures accuracy of purchase requisitions and purchase orders
• Monitors responsible units to assure that an accurate food, beverage and controllable materials inventory is kept.
• Ensures vendor compliance with required corporate, local agency and federal government (FDA) guidelines for proper sanitation, food handling and temperature control (HACCP) practices in unit
• Manages any Purchasing and Control Policies and Procedures and assures follow up on vendor forecasts, movements, and shortages
• Participates in the corporate SPIRIT program along with any MIB or vendor managements system
• Understands and ensures compliance with TCM regional and corporate programs, policies and product specifications
• Ensures unit maintains and reports accurate product substitution log and insures appropriate follow up actions due to impact on materials cost
• Ensures all Monthly KPI's are met up to an including, DOH, Food Cost, Material Controls (AVT) are met
• Consistently maintains a professional image in all relationships and interactions with suppliers, customers and other employees
• Audits requirement report to assure forecasting through the system as required. Assures involvement in EOM inventory Process to assure all materials are properly inventoried
• Assures cost of local materials are managed in system as access is provided.
• Performs special projects and other duties as required

Qualifications

Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent required
• College degree in related discipline or with experience in related discipline preferred

Work Experience:

• At least 2 to 5 years wholesale or multi-unit food purchasing experience required
• Experience in food safety control practices a plus
• SAP experience preferred

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)

• Knowledge of HACCP, quality management and Six Sigma.
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations.
• Knowledge of quality auditing, inspection methods.
• Must be detail oriented
• Intermediate level of Microsoft Office Tool Skills such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Proficient in SAP
• Must have strong organizational skills, able to prioritize responsibilities and multi-task.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, interacts well with multiple departments, as required.
• Must be able to work with little supervision.
• Must have general food knowledge and culinary concepts.

Language / Communication Skills:

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills

Job Dimensions

Geographic Responsibility: NA

Type of Employment: Full-time

Travel %: up to 10%

Exemption Classification: Exempt

Internal Relationships: all internal departments

External Relationships: Suppliers and external customers

Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: Regular Office Environment

Budget / Revenue Responsibility: N/A

Organization Structure

Direct Line Manager (Title): Manager, Central Purchasing or General Manager

Dotted Line Manager (Title, if applicable): na

Number of Direct Reports: 0

Number of Dotted Line Reports: 0

Estimated Total Size of Team: 1

gategroup Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

• Thinking - Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills
• Engaging - Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People
• Inspiring - Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively
• Achieving - Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position

Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Integrity, Passion and Accountability. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:

• We treat each other with respect and we act with integrity
• We communicate and keep each other informed
• We put our heads together to problem solve and deliver excellence as a team
• We have passion for our work and we pay attention to the little details
• We foster an environment of accountability , take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes
• We do what we say we will do, when we say we are going to do it
• We care about our coworkers, always taking an opportunity to make someone's day better

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.

For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser:

We anticipate that this job will close on:
06/28/2026

For California Residents, please click here to view our California privacy notice.

If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!