Buyer - Materials Planning and Purchasing

Procurement Specialist – Raw Materials Location: On-site, Amsterdam NY - HQ Office (hybrid)

About Beech-Nut Nutrition Company…
We are one of America’s leading companies providing nutritious, wholesome foods for babies using real ingredients, gently cooked, with non-GMO verified, Natural or organic ingredients in almost all our products.
We care deeply about others, the planet, and are empowered to make a difference. We expect, reward and celebrate strong performance.
Our values help us navigate the ever-changing environment in which we operate and ensure we innovate to meet customer needs.
The Procurement Specialist – Raw Materials is responsible for the development and management of all aspects of the sourcing of raw materials in different forms for both internal and external manufacturing sites. The buyer will also be responsible for the development and implementation of long-term sourcing strategies and plans to meet the company’s business growth, through both market and need analysis, cost analysis, risk mitigation/management and supplier relationship management. Location: This role is an in-person / hybrid role based out of the Amsterdam, NY HQ Office.
The team works diligently to create longstanding partnerships with various suppliers that provide us with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to the packaging materials we use to get our products to our consumers. The team works closely with our Quality, R&D and Supply Chain Teams to ensure products are arriving on schedule and they meet our strict quality standards so we can continue doing what we do best – making high quality, safe, and nutritious foods for babies and toddlers!
Our Commitment to Safety…
At Beech-Nut we are committed to a strong safety program that protects its staff, its property, and the public from accidents. Associates at every level, including management, are responsible and accountable for the company’s overall safety initiatives. Complete and active participation by everyone, every day, in every job is necessary for the safety among all workers on the job site. Management supports participation in the program by all Associates and provides proper equipment, training and procedures. Through continuous safety and loss control, we can accomplish this.
This position is a hybrid/on-site role based out of the Amsterdam, New York LEED® certified production and HQ facility. Most job functions are performed in a well-lit, environmentally controlled office environment. Restrictions include wearing of jewelry, nail polish and acrylic nails. Other personal protection equipment may be required for certain tasks.
Strategy & Long-Term Planning
Develop commodity expertise and maintain understanding of market dynamics to identify both risk and opportunity.
Work on Sustainability and Crop Quality Improvement strategies directly with the processors and farmers.
Accountability for financial KPIs (PPV, standard price, Cash, Carbon, market analysis, budgeting and estimates).
Risk Management & Supply Assurance
Lead the Risk mitigation plan for sensitive items to insure the competitive and sustainable supply
Ensure all purchased produce meets regulatory, customer, and internal quality specifications.
Coordinate with Production, Planning, and R&D to align purchasing with formulation changes or new product launches.
Optimize inventory levels to avoid shortages, overstock, or spoilage.
Develop contingency plans (alternative suppliers, adjusted purchasing timelines, substitute varieties etc.)
Cost Management, Analysis & Negotiation
Analyze complex supplier proposals and use decision-making tools and models, including financial and non-financial criteria, to facilitate award recommendations.
Negotiate commercial agreements and contracts to align with corporate strategies.
Maintain accurate purchasing data in ERP (SAP) or Group procurement systems.
Supplier Management & Performance
Drive supplier performance to meet or exceed annual goals, utilizing Scorecards for Key Suppliers.
Manage overall supplier relationships including supplier performance, capability development, cost and quality improvements.
Influence cross-functional teams consisting of R&D/Corporate Quality, Engineering, Plant Operations and Marketing to define product requirements to meet overall business objectives.
Support continuous improvement projects focused on yield improvement, waste reduction, or sourcing optimization.
Deciding and Initiating Action: You are able to make timely decisions while weighing risks. You act without being prompted and take responsibility for projects, people and mistakes.
You draw well-reasoned conclusions and pinpoint key information from large data sets. Planning and Organizing: You are able to set clearly defined objectives, establish priorities, plan activities and project and manage time effectively. 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain—preferably with agricultural commodities, ingredients, produce, or food manufacturing.
~Proven track record of negotiating contracts, supplier agreements, and commercial terms.

BS in Finance, Business, Engineering, Supply Chain (Purchasing or Operations related field), Agronomist with Sourcing experience
Experience with ERP systems (SAP highly valued)
Must be organized and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Detail-oriented with the ability to successfully manage time-sensitive projects.
Ability to clearly communicate to others both verbally and in writing.
Influence decisions using qualitative and quantitative data.
Skilled in market / supplier analysis.
Strong sense of responsibility and ownership of projects.
Proven Project Management skills.
We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and take into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skills, relevant work experience, certifications and qualifications, education, and other business needs. Our associates also have access to opportunities for professional development and training, access to our on-site amenities as well as many other benefits and perks! Benefits : This position gives you access to a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage for you and your dependents; life & long-term disability, flexible spending and health savings account, paid vacation and holidays, New York State paid sick time, and 401(k) retirement benefits with 4% company match.
Access to an online learning system (LMS)
Opportunities to volunteer and support the local community
Generous maternity/paternity benefits & take your child’s 1st birthday off
Baby food coupon program until your child’s 2nd birthday
On-site fitness center
On-site cafeteria
On-site Company Store
A private on-site Mother’s Room to support nursing mothers and pumping needs at work
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.