What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Buyer / Purchaser (FT) position at ZIlka & Co?
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Food Buyer to join our dynamic team at Zilka and Company, a leading food supply distribution company. The Food Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring high-quality food products from suppliers to meet the demands of our diverse customer base. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of experience in food buying, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the food industry.
The Opportunity:
As a part of our fast-growing team, you will continually innovate and iterate on how to bring best-in-class service to our customers. You will be on the front lines generating revenue by purchasing dry and frozen bakery ingredients for our network of customers while optimizing price, quality, and service.
As a part of our fast-growing team, you will continually innovate and iterate on how to bring best-in-class service to our customers. You will be on the front lines generating revenue by purchasing dry and frozen bakery ingredients for our network of customers while optimizing price, quality, and service.
Your work will expose you to our full company: including our product, sales, supply chain, and executive leadership functions. You will have the opportunity to share customer insight, improve Zilka’s purchasing, and build and grow your own career.
Responsibilities:
Supplier Management:
- Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with food suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure the best possible deals while maintaining quality standards.
- Monitor supplier performance, addressing any issues or concerns promptly to ensure consistent product availability.
Product Sourcing and Procurement:
- Conduct market research to identify new food products, trends, and emerging suppliers.
- Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to understand customer demands and preferences, ensuring the availability of desired products.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive product portfolio, considering factors such as quality, price, availability, and customer preferences.
Inventory Management:
- Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with the inventory management team to ensure optimal stock levels are maintained.
- Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to forecast demand accurately and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
- Implement effective inventory control measures to minimize waste, spoilage, and stockouts.
Quality Assurance and Compliance:
- Collaborate with the quality assurance team to ensure all food products meet regulatory and company quality standards.
- Conduct regular supplier audits and inspections to ensure compliance with food safety and quality requirements.
- Stay updated on industry regulations, certifications, and best practices to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Relationship Building and Collaboration:
- Foster strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and operations, to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
- Attending industry events, trade shows, and conferences to network, stay informed about industry trends, and identify potential suppliers.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of two years of experience in food buying or procurement, preferably in a food supply distribution company.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to handle inventory audits, shipping invoices, and return processes.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized inventory logs.
- Experience handling and managing inventory in food-related areas.
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, portion cost, proportions, percentages, area, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- ERP Software experience and maximize workflow with computer applications.
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.
Join our team at Zilka & Company and contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality food products to our customers. As a Food Buyer & Purchaser, you will play a vital role in ensuring our product portfolio meets customer demands while maintaining competitive pricing and quality standards. Apply now and be part of our dynamic and growing organization.
The benefits of being with Zilka & Company:
- Competitive pay.
- Paid time off.
- Medical Insurance.
- Dental Insurance.
- Vision Insurance.
- Team outings.
AAP/EEO Statement: Zilka and Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the policy of Zilka and Company to afford equal employment opportunities and to recruit, select, hire, train, transfer, and promote individuals in all job titles regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, Vietnam era veteran, disabled veteran, or other eligible veteran status.
About Zilka & Company:
Family owned and operated since 1923, Zilka and Company is a four-generation bakery supply company laser-focused on delivering superior customer service and quality brands to fit the needs of our customers. We are a robust team of customer service representatives, sales, delivery, and administration who are enthusiastic about the world of food, procurement, and supply chain. As a member of the Zilka & Company team, you will have the opportunity for personal and professional growth, work with a supportive team, and be part of a company that values innovation and social responsibility.
Salary : $48,900 - $61,900
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