Buyer - Manufacturing and Supply Chain Purchasing

Brock11 is partnering with our client, a well-established and growing food manufacturing organization, to identify a Procurement Specialist for their Medina, Ohio operation. This position is ideal for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing day-to-day replenishment execution with strategic process improvement.

This role will have a strong emphasis on replenishment, inventory management, and operational continuity within a fresh food manufacturing environment. The Procurement team plays a critical role in keeping production lines running, maintaining service levels, and supporting the organization’s bottom line through effective purchasing and supplier management.

Position Overview The Procurement Specialist will support procurement execution, replenishment activities, supplier coordination, and inventory management to ensure continuity of supply across manufacturing operations. This individual will partner cross-functionally with Operations, Planning, Quality, Finance, Innovation/Culinary, and suppliers to support material availability, inventory optimization, and purchasing consistency.

This role is highly visible within the organization and requires someone who is confident representing the procurement function internally and externally with suppliers and business partners.

Key Responsibilities Procurement Execution & Supply Continuity Execute purchasing and replenishment activities for ingredients, packaging, PPE, and other assigned materials supporting production requirements

Monitor material availability and coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted production flow

Resolve shortages, delays, and supply disruptions in partnership with suppliers and operations teams

Support inventory continuity while balancing cost, service, and operational efficiency

Assist with inter-site material coordination and transfers as needed

Inventory & Replenishment Management Manage replenishment activities including reorder points, safety stock reviews, lead times, and inventory planning parameters

Analyze inventory trends, demand variability, and supplier performance to optimize inventory levels

Help drive forecasting alignment and purchasing consistency across departments

Support initiatives focused on reducing waste, shortages, and excess inventory

Operate effectively in a fast-paced fresh food environment where priorities can shift quickly

Supplier Coordination & Cross-Functional Collaboration Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support service, quality, and delivery expectations

Collaborate closely with Operations, Planning, Food Science, Innovation, and Culinary teams

Participate in sourcing initiatives, RFQs, supplier transitions, and material changes

Support procurement-related activities tied to new product launches and packaging transitions

Represent the procurement team professionally in supplier meetings and cross-functional discussions

Process Improvement & Strategic Thinking Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, system utilization, and operational efficiency

Utilize ERP systems and analytics to support data accuracy and informed decision‑making

Bring a strategic mindset to purchasing decisions by thinking ahead, anticipating seasonal demand cycles, and leveraging supplier partnerships

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred

2-5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, replenishment, inventory management, or supply chain operations

Experience within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or a fast-paced manufacturing environment strongly preferred

Experience with ERP systems such as Sage X3, Anaplan, or similar platforms preferred

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Data analysis and reporting

What Our Client Is Looking For Brings structure and stability to replenishment operations

Can confidently represent the procurement department internally and externally

Wants long‑term career growth and development within procurement and supply chain operations

Travel Occasional overnight travel required for supplier visits and industry trade shows

Travel may include monthly or bi‑monthly supplier visits and seasonal trade shows

This is an opportunity to join a high‑impact procurement team within a growing food manufacturing organization where procurement is viewed as a critical driver of operational success. The company is investing in modernization, process improvement, and long‑term talent development, offering strong visibility and career progression opportunities for the right candidate.

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