Assistant Buyer-Food Manufacturing

The Assistant Buyer role is a dynamic entry level position that requires knowledge of contracts and procurement. The role will support the State Garden, Inc. sourcing strategy of various raw food products necessary to produce brands manufactured by State Garden, Inc. Over time the person selected for this role will gain knowledge of supplier relationships, growing regions, transportation methods and final delivery of raw products – from field to manufacturing facility. The role with be based at the manufacturing site and work with cross functional team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but works within a collaborative environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists procurement of all raw spring mix, savoy spinach, and celery for production; Assists in procurement of additional raw items as product needs change and, or new products emerge
• Creates blanket orders for said contracts
• Creates weekly purchase orders from the blanket orders
• Assists with daily and weekly inventory management
• Works with and at times instructs production leadership on product blends with consideration of raw quantities and supplies
• Assists with reconciliation of product invoices
• Works with the sales team to communicate and determine corrective actions when faced with raw product shortages or overstocked inventories; focus on minimizing product and sales losses; drive cost management.
• Stay in touch with and works with the Growers when faced with product quality deficiencies
• Disseminates forecasts and assists in contracting seasonal needs with product growers six months in advance
• Reports in pounds the raw product quantities received from various Growers, for invoicing purposes
• Assists in the reporting including but not limited to raw material usage

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists with dispatching trucks and rail transportation for all inbound loads
• Assists with the tracking of inbound trucks; manages appointments for all inbound loads
• Works with logistics regarding trucking and, or rail issues that may arise
• Assists other leadership and supports the broader “field team” to develop relationships with and explore additional growing areas to develop new sources and contracts with new Growers

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Self-starter with the ability to work well within a team and at times individually
• Strong organization skills; strong time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations
• Knowledge of inventory methods.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

Education and Experience:

• 1+ years of buyer experience preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Some advanced education preferred.
• Experience in the produce/food industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of food safety is a plus.
• Knowledge of Navision is a plus.

Work Authorization:

• Legal work authorization for the United States of America.

Work Environment:

The position requires sedentary times at a desk and working on a computer. However, the production facility and associated warehousing are refrigerated facilities. At times, the position requires working within these facilities.
AAP/EEO Statement:
State Garden, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Food Safety / Maintenance:
All food safety and quality problems must be brought to the attention of someone with authority such as your Supervisor, Quality Technician or Quality Manager to initiate action, if necessary.

All equipment issues must be brought to the attention of someone with authority such as your supervisor or facilities managers to initiate actions, if necessary.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Chelsea, MA 02150: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person