Procurement Specialist

About The Job A growing food manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Procurement Specialist to support strategic purchasing, supplier partnerships, and business growth. This position is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, supplier management, inventory planning, and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of materials required to support production operations. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a highly motivated professional with strong analytical skills, supply chain expertise, and a proven track record in procurement within a manufacturing environment. Role Location – Montgomery City, MO Work Type – Full-time / On-site Position Summary – The Procurement Specialist will oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, ingredients, operating supplies, and services while maintaining inventory levels, controlling costs, and supporting operational efficiency. This individual will work closely with Operations, Warehouse, Production, Quality Assurance, and Finance to ensure materials are available to meet customer demand and production schedules. Key Responsibilities Source and procure raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and indirect supplies. Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors. Negotiate pricing, contracts, and service agreements. Monitor inventory levels and forecast purchasing needs. Analyze purchasing trends and identify cost‑saving opportunities. Manage supplier performance and ensure service expectations are met. Coordinate with production and warehouse teams to ensure material availability. Resolve supply chain disruptions and material shortages. Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation. Review and process purchase orders and supplier invoices. Support inventory management and cycle count activities. Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and company standards. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of procurement experience. Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred. Experience purchasing ingredients, packaging, and production materials. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills. Knowledge of inventory management and forecasting principles. Experience with ERP, MRP, or WMS systems. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Preferred Experience Food manufacturing Supply chain management Purchasing and strategic sourcing Inventory planning Vendor negotiations Cost reduction initiatives ERP/MRP systems Forecasting and demand planning Work Environment Food manufacturing facility Office and production floor interaction Fast‑paced growth environment Cross‑functional team collaboration Benefits Competitive compensation Leadership growth opportunities Stable and growing organization Collaborative team environment Opportunity to make a direct impact on company performance Strategic role supporting business growth Comprehensive benefits package #J-18808-Ljbffr