Associate Buyer

CP Fresh, a Charlie's Produce Company•South Park, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Buyer role is an on-site position and requires regular attendance at the facility. They support procurement operations by assisting with purchasing activities, maintaining inventory levels, and coordinating with vendors and internal teams. Working under the guidance of the Materials Manager, this role ensures timely and accurate order placement, supports supplier communication, and helps maintain product availability to meet operational and customer needs. This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Requirements

0–2 years of purchasing, inventory, supply chain, or related experience (food industry preferred but not required)
Basic understanding of procurement or inventory processes
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Willingness to learn market dynamics and procurement practices
Ability to follow direction while developing independent decision-making skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP or purchasing systems is a plus

Responsibilities

Assist in purchasing designated products to meet quality, quantity, and service level requirements
Create and manage purchase orders in accordance with procurement guidelines
Track and follow up on orders to ensure accurate and timely delivery
Maintain and update vendor information, product data, and pricing in procurement systems
Support inventory management by monitoring stock levels and identifying potential shortages or excess
Assist with reviewing open purchase orders, backorders, and inventory discrepancies
Coordinate with warehouse, operations, QA, and sales teams to ensure product availability and accuracy
Communicate with vendors regarding order status, pricing, and delivery schedules
Assist in resolving receiving discrepancies, quality issues, and invoice variances
Monitor basic market conditions and pricing trends for assigned products
Support product recalls and ensure documentation is accurate and complete
Participate in facility walkthroughs to observe inventory condition and handling practices
Maintain accurate records and documentation for procurement activities
Follow all food safety, GMP, and company safety policies
Perform administrative tasks and special projects as assigned by the Procurement Specialist or leadership