Senior Purchasing Analyst

Chesapeake Search Partners is partnering with a growing manufacturer and distributor of specialty food ingredients in their search for a Senior Purchasing & Import Analyst. This is a highly visible position that will play a key role in managing supplier relationships, purchasing raw materials and imported goods, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting production operations. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of procurement, planning, and supply chain expertise within a manufacturing environment and will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and imported products to support production and customer demand.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, ensuring consistent quality, service, and delivery performance.
• Monitor inventory levels and demand forecasts to ensure appropriate stock levels while minimizing excess inventory and obsolescence.
• Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, inventory metrics, and demand patterns to support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Production, Quality, and Finance teams to align purchasing strategies with business objectives.
• Coordinate import activities and monitor inbound shipments to ensure timely product availability.
• Create and manage purchase orders, supplier communications, and related procurement documentation.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.
• Support supplier negotiations, sourcing initiatives, and vendor evaluations.
• Assist in mitigating supply chain risks through proactive planning, supplier diversification, and inventory management strategies.
• Utilize ERP systems and Microsoft Excel to maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or operations experience will also be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, materials planning, inventory management, supply chain, or a related function.
• Experience within a manufacturing, food & beverage, ingredients, consumer products, or similar environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with suppliers, purchase orders, inventory management, and forecasting activities.
• Understanding of ERP/MRP systems and supply chain processes.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Experience supporting imported products, international suppliers, or global sourcing activities is a plus.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing demands and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.