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Buyer Food Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starhired

Food Ingredient Buyer

Reidsville, NC

If you are a Ingredient Buyer with 3+ years processed food ingredient buying experience ready to join a well established food manufacturer, then this role is for you. You will be responsible for ...

Starhired

Food Ingredient Buyer

Reidsville, NC · On-site

If you are a Ingredient Buyer with 3+ years processed food ingredient buying experience ready to join a well established food manufacturer, then this role is for you. You will be responsible for ...

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Buyer Food information

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$34.5K

$68.4K

$102.5K

How much do buyer food jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for buyer food in the United States is $68,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Buyer Food do?

A Buyer Food is responsible for purchasing food products and ingredients for businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, or food manufacturers. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of the products they acquire. Buyer Food professionals also monitor inventory levels, stay updated on market trends, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Their role is crucial in maintaining a steady supply of quality food items while optimizing costs.

How does a Buyer Food collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure product quality and timely delivery?

A Buyer Food works closely with suppliers to negotiate contracts, monitor product quality, and ensure timely shipments. Internally, they collaborate with inventory managers, quality assurance, and culinary teams to align purchasing decisions with menu needs and quality standards. Frequent communication and relationship-building are essential, as the role requires balancing cost-effectiveness with quality and consistency. Staying proactive about supplier performance and internal feedback helps prevent stockouts and maintain high standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Buyer Food, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buyer Food, you need strong negotiation skills, market analysis abilities, and a background in supply chain or procurement, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, ERP software, and knowledge of food safety standards or certifications like HACCP are typically required. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and attention to detail help you stand out in vendor negotiations and cross-functional teamwork. These skills are essential for ensuring cost-effective purchasing, maintaining quality standards, and supporting the timely supply of food products.

What is the difference between Buyer Food vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectBuyer FoodPurchasing Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires purchasing or food industry certificationsOften requires similar certifications, with additional administrative training
Work EnvironmentFood manufacturing, wholesale, or retail settingsOffice-based, supporting procurement processes
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, supermarkets, restaurantsCorporate procurement departments across industries including food
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding procurement roles in food industryLearning about procurement support roles

While both roles involve procurement, a Buyer Food primarily focuses on selecting and purchasing food products directly for companies or retailers. A Purchasing Coordinator supports the procurement process, often handling administrative tasks and coordinating orders. The Buyer Food typically has more decision-making authority on product selection, whereas the Purchasing Coordinator ensures smooth order processing and documentation.

More about Buyer Food jobs
What cities are hiring for Buyer Food jobs? Cities with the most Buyer Food job openings:
What states have the most Buyer Food jobs? States with the most job openings for Buyer Food jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Buyer Food jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Buyer Food jobs are:
Buyer Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Buyer Food job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,384 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Buyer Food Ingredients

Buyer Food Ingredients

Affinity Executive Search

Boston, MA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Food Ingredient BuyerSummary:The Food Ingredient Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement and inventory of raw materials necessary for the production of finished goods at their assigned manufacturing facility. This role requires strong organizational, analytical, and negotiation skills, with a preference for candidates experienced in food commodity purchasing.Key Responsibilities:Oversee the timely replenishment of raw materials by coordinating with multiple vendors nationwide, considering lead times, storage capacities, and shelf life.Ensure accurate pricing of raw materials, including freight costs, and seek cost-saving opportunities through price bracket analysis, freight efficiencies, and alternative supplier sourcing.Serve as a primary liaison between internal teams and external vendors to resolve material issues, coordinate returns or reimbursements, and communicate expected credits with Accounting.Partner with Quality Assurance during vendor audits and collaborate with R&D to source new ingredients for product development.Maintain constant awareness of material availability, proactively addressing any shortages that could impact production. Be available on-call to handle urgent raw material issues.Coordinate raw material transfers between facilities in response to shifting formulations or production changes.Work with Logistics to manage collect freight and ensure optimal use of backhaul opportunities in collaboration with the packaging team.Resolve invoice discrepancies with Accounting using DocuWare.Provide cross-coverage for other buyers when needed.Generate and submit weekly Supply side variance reports, verify counts, and make necessary adjustments.Monitor and address issues related to short shelf-life or dead inventory.Lead quarterly inventory counts and reconciliation processes.Qualifications:Bachelor?s degree in Business, Mathematics, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and 3 5 years of relevant experience.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.Demonstrated experience in vendor negotiation and raw material purchasing; food industry or commodity buying experience is a plus.Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external suppliers.

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