Import Buyer-Food Manufacturing

Global Recruiters of Philadelphia is proud to partner with a long-established and well-respected international manufacturer and distributor of specialty Eastern European foods and food ingredients. This fast-growing and ever-evolving company seeks to fill a few key roles in their company's management. We've included below an initial overview of the current key people needs.If you (or someone you know) is interested in confidentially exploring this position, please send us your updated resume, your openness to relocate (if need be, to commute daily to The Bronx in NY or work from the company's Chicago or Atlanta offices), and what your salary and bonus target/ranges would be. Please send all information to edmerry grnphillymainline.com. After we review your qualifications, we willdiscuss the company openly.with you.We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your career aspirations.Sincerely,Ed Merry610-465-1160 office215-901-1953 cellA BUYER for Eastern European Food and Food Ingredients-Position Overview-As a Seasoned Buyer for a food importer and distributor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of products into our supply chain. You will collaborate closely with the sales team, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to manage procurement processes, optimize inventory, and drive supplier performance. Your responsibilities include forecasting demand, sourcing products globally, and managing supplier relationships to meet customer needs while reducing costs and maintaining high-quality standards.Key Responsibilities:1.Demand Forecasting and Supplier Coordination:Collaborate with the sales team to forecast demand and synchronize with domestic and overseas suppliers for on-time deliveries.Ensure inventory levels align with demand requirements and manufacturing constraints.Must be familiar with all typical demand planning reports.2.Global Supply Planning:Develop a comprehensive global supply plan based on sales forecasts, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic deployment objectives.3.Sourcing Strategy:Create sourcing plans that align with a dynamic network of suppliers, holding them accountable for on-time delivery and product quality.4.Supplier Management:Establish and maintain operational relationships with a dynamic network of suppliers and vendors, ensuring their adherence to on-time delivery and quality standards.5.Operational Management:Oversee key weekly operations processes, including purchase order placement, freight tracking, data analysis, and inventory and capacity management.Collaborate with inventory control to proactively manage inventory levels and prevent stockouts.6.Inventory Control:Collaborate with the inventory control team to assess and manage inventory levels, proactively preventing and out of stock situations.7.Process Improvement:Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, capabilities, and cost-efficiency within the procurement function.8.Order Verification:Verify vendor order acknowledgments and confirm that delivery dates meet established requirements.9.Performance Metrics:Develop, maintain, and utilize vendor performance metrics to evaluate supplier performance and identify areas for improvement.10.Cost Reduction Initiatives:Identify, develop, and implement cost reduction projects to enhance the company s profitability.11.Issue Resolution:Address unforeseen issues with suppliers related to operations, purchasing, or quality/performance promptly and professionally.12.Claim Management:Oversee claim management with suppliers, coordinating with the sales team to resolve any disputes efficiently.13.Process Optimization:Continuously improve procurement practices and optimize procurement activities to increase efficiency and reduce costs.14.Goal Setting:Establish and communicate procurement goals and key performance indicators (KPI) to track and measure the success of procurement and supplier management efforts.15.Performance Review:Drive actions and conduct regular follow-up on results, conducting quarterly and yearly reviews to ensure objectives are met.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in similar role, which may include a combination of supply chain, contracts, operations, buying, and procurement.Must be familiar with imports/overseas supply chain.Experience with products from Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Serbia & Bosnia, Croatia a plus.ISM or APICS certification required.Solid experience and knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a plus.Great Plains (GP) and Korber a plus.Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Excel.Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.Position Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.