Buyer

The Role: Buyer Job Details Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt (hourly) Job Location: Salinas, CA, On-site, 1st shift Compensation & Benefits: $33.00 - $35.90 p/hr. - Free Medical, Dental, Vision for employees + up to a 4% 401k match. Reports to: Procurement Manager Position Summary The Buyer role is a hands‑on position responsible for effectively managing the planning and purchasing of materials to timely support operations and product development. This position will be responsible for strategic planning, purchasing of materials, vendor relationships, inventory management and condiment contracts. Qualifications & Experience Strong vendor management skills. Working knowledge of material planning and scheduling methods. Minimum 2 years’ experience in a purchasing capacity within a food manufacturing environment preferred. Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field preferred. Knowledge of general accounting and finance principles. Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills. Minimum 2 years’ experience of strong working knowledge with ERP - emphasis with MRP and working knowledge of lot control. Ability to compose reports and correspondence. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Advanced level knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with high proficiency in Excel. Soft Skills & Competencies Communication – Verbal and written clarity, active listening, and the ability to tailor messaging to all levels of Management. Collaboration / Teamwork – Works well in group settings, contributes positively, and respects diverse perspectives. Adaptability – Comfortable with change, open to feedback, and flexible in dynamic environments. Problem‑Solving – Able to analyze issues, think critically, and propose effective solutions. Time Management – Prioritizes tasks, meets deadlines, and manages workload efficiently. Conflict Resolution – Navigates disagreements constructively and maintains professionalism. Resilience – Maintains performance under pressure and recovers from setbacks. Accountability – Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments. Responsibilities Reviews buy action report to determine material requirements, then generates purchase orders based on MRP demand, historical usage, and other pertinent factors. Considers freight efficiencies when creating purchase orders to determine the most cost‑effective way of purchasing materials while considering the company’s maximum inventory days guideline. Evaluates and manages safety stock levels at each re‑order point. Tracks and expedites purchase orders as needed and ensures materials are scheduled to arrive prior to production requirements. Communicates and resolves any materials shortages with appropriate functions. Produce the supplier forecast and other tools to ensure supplier success. Maintains accurate purchase costs in the company’s ERP system and identifies any price discrepancies. Coordinates the return of discrepant materials with vendors and ensures that credits are received. Partners closely with the Quality Assurance department for product specifications, quality inquiries, product recall and other quality related activities. Monitors purchase price and lead time variances for vendors and takes appropriate action to correct problems identified. Considers market conditions and commodity pricing trends as part of inventory level determination. Participates in regular meetings as required. Responsible for the efficient purchasing of inventory and supplies. Performs other duties as necessary or as requested. Physical Requirements/Environment While performing the duties of this Job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member is frequently required to stand, walk, up and down stairs, sit, and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The team member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Latitude 36 Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we take great pride in our diverse and talented workforce. We are looking for diversity in candidates for employment. We recognize that our continued success depends largely on the collective strengths of our associates. #J-18808-Ljbffr