Purchasing Agent

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent who is fueled by providing top-notch service, enjoys collaborating with team members and ensuring maximum productivity and profitability of their organization. The position reports directly to the company COO and works closely with marketing and operations.

You will act as a supply chain screener, ensuring the safety of our ingredients and customers. You continuously seek optimal pricing, weighing supplier allowance periods with carrying costs of holding inventory and contracting commodities to improve costs and lock-in a solid supply chain.

Despite creating redundancy in the supply chain, you act as company protector when suppliers have interruptions, rapidly finding alternatives while holding existing suppliers accountable and keeping Red Plate production humming.

Achieving ever-higher levels of quality and safety internally and through external certification guidance is a continuous improvement mindset that you embrace. You act as point person to coordinate rigorous supply chain processes, internally organize documents and key contributor inputs and communicate with and coordinate third party audits.

You must be available to work in person 5 days a week, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM each day and sometimes later when critical tasks require completion. Occasional travel outside of scheduled work hours may also be necessary when attending trade events.

WHAT WE DO

Red Plate Foods mission is making life easier and more “normal” for people with special diets. We manufacture foods that are “Free From” top allergens vegan gluten free. Red Plate Foods products are available in grocery stores and served by airlines, schools and restaurants across the United States.

WE WANT TO MEET YOU BECAUSE YOU

• Will enjoy making symmetry out of chaos.
• Are highly motivated and feel a strong sense of ownership when you witness your leader achieving success and impacting the businesses and end consumers.
• Enjoy working with a fast-paced, collaborative team that is focused on growth and are comfortable when priorities shift.
• Possess great communication skills and know-how that help facilitate respect, ease and flow with your leader and extended team.
• Are trustworthy and can be counted on to safeguard the confidentiality of not only our business but our customers as well.
• Are willing to adopt the Red Plate Foods “scrappy” mentality, making big things happen with creativity rather than large budgets.
• Remain calm under fire.
• Don’t take yourself too seriously and can keep moving through failures toward success.

THE ROLE

• Evaluates suppliers for issuance of purchase orders for specific coverage periods and provides contracted coverage for supplier price increases or shortages, or changes in supplier price supports, in a manner that encompasses increased demand before the price increase.

• Maintains purchasing schedule, purchase allowance schedule and alters procurement frequency in response to supplier programs and special offers; processes all approved special order requests immediately and forwards pertinent information to marketing.

• Manages inventory to ensure 99% in-stock status of all manufacturing inputs to meet sales forecast and customer PO fulfillment. Includes management and resolution of supplier buy-ins, and early or delayed shipments; responds to back order issues, imminent revisions to forecasts.

• Reviews and maintains current, complete supplier files with regard to allergen processing status, product status, lead time, shipping terms, contact names, warehouse locations, and any other supplier information.

• Selects and assigns freight carrier and mode from acceptable options, with consideration given to speed and cost required; maintains current estimated time of arrival information at all times, and a written record of lost, delayed or damaged shipments.
• Manages import and freight optimization for overseas purchasing, with preference given to candidates experienced in packaging purchases through Asia vendors.
• HACCP/SQF or similar production compliance certification experience is desirable, as role has potential to act as point person for new and re-certification.

SOFTWARE USED DAILY: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat

SOFTWARE USED FREQUENTLY: Quickbooks, project management software

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

We hire grown-ups, and we will treat you like one. You will be expected to take responsibility for yourself; we do not micromanage.

We are building a team of growth oriented, competent and determined professionals. We are an equal opportunity employer.

REQUIREMENTS

• Two years related purchasing experience, and/or training.
• Experience in food commodity and CPG packaging procurement.
• Experience leading third party audit compliance such as SQF is a plus.
• Must posses knowledge of accounting, financial analysis and project management software
• Driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs. (We all pitch in to get the job done, and sometimes that means lifting things!)
• You must be available to work in person 5 days a week, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM PST each day and sometimes later to see critical tasks through to completion past 5:00 PM.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to be considered for the position, please include/submit:

1) Your resume

2) Brief cover letter overviewing why you would be a good fit for the position

3) At least 3 non-family/friend references (include name, phone number and title/relationship)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Purchasing: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location