Purchasing Manager

Tribute Baking Company is the strategic combination of four businesses with rich histories in the baking industry! Always Bagels, Original Bagel, Dutch Maid and Hometown Foods USA, together, create a market leading producer of authentic New York style kettle-boiled, hearth-baked bagels and high quality cake products sold into the in-store bakery, club store, foodservice, and convenience store channels.

The Purchasing Manager reports to the Plant Manager with a dotted line to corporate purchasing. As a Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of purchaing for our commercial bakery operations. You will collaborate closely with various departments to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of ingredients, packaging materials, equipment, and services necessary for production. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of supply chain management in the food industry.

The Purchasing Manager is based in our Dorchester, MA location which is a 120,000 square foot commercial bakery that specializes in cakes. Plant production runs 16-20 hours/day and 5 days/week.The typical work schedule is 5 days/week.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement purchasing plans to support production goals and ensure optimal inventory levels
• Source and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and establish long-term partnerships to secure competitive pricing and quality products
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements
• Coordinate with production, quality control, and logistics teams to forecast demand, resolve supply chain issues, and maintain seamless operations
• Conduct regular supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and ethical sourcing practices
• Manage and maintain sharp focus on physical inventory levels and reducing excess inventory
• Ensure perpetual inventory accuracy and continuously improve the flow of materials through the plant
• Utilize purchasing software and tools to track orders, manage inventory levels, and generate reports for analysis and decision-making
• Understands various regulations (FDA, GFSI) and maintains compliance with purchasing of goods
• Works with all production department to coordinate all purchasing within the company that arise during the manufacturing cycle
• Partners with corporate purchasing for Tribute level supply needs

Requirements:

• A High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is a plus
• 5+ years experience as a Purchasing Manager or similar role in the food industry, with a track record of success in procurement strategy development, supplier management, and cost optimization
• Deep understanding of food ingredient sourcing, quality standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, GMP)
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in purchasing software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Demonstrated experience in driving results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to see, hear, remaining in a stationary position often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms
• Stoop kneel and bend
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or maneuver weights of up to twenty-five (25) pounds independently and fifty (50) pounds with assistance
• Exposure to environmental changes (heat, cold, dampness, chemicals) in the plant
• Working conditions; manufacturing environment requiring strict work/safety rules approximately 100% of the time

Benefits:

We offer competitive pay based on experience, and other qualifications, we offer a benefit package including health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.

Top talent is critical to our organization's continued success. The company is enriched by the diverse experiences, backgrounds, ethnicity, education, lifestyles, and cultural differences of our employees. At its core, we are commitment to a diverse workforce. It is about treating everyone, customers and colleagues included, with dignity and respect.