Buyer - Functional Ingredients

Prinova US•Carol Stream, IL

4d•$67,000 - $77,000•Onsite

About The Position

Unlock your potential with Prinova We are Prinova, a leading global supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions, and trusted by the world’s best-known food, beverage, and nutrition brands. Part of the NAGASE Group, our expertise lies in Ingredient Distribution, Manufacturing Solutions, and Customized Services. Our global network of colleagues, located in offices and manufacturing facilities around the world, deliver sustainable value-added solutions to our customers. We are recognized for our deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and bold innovation, which have earned us a strong reputation as a trusted industry leader. Wherever your career is headed, you’ll find direction, opportunity, and belonging with us. Buyer - Functional Ingredients Department: Purchasing, Solutions Location: Carol Stream, IL Type: Full-time Summary: The Buyer is responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating competitive pricing, and ensuring the timely procurement of materials to support uninterrupted production. The Buyer will work independently to meet Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (S.M.A.R.T.) goals while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure supply chain excellence. This role is ideal for someone who can evaluate and implement service enhancements, achieve landed-cost savings, and deliver measurable benefits to our customers and overall business. Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills are essential to maintain optimal inventory levels, resolve supplier issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

BA or BS degree (Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, related) strongly preferred
3+ years of experience in a purchasing, materials management, or supply chain role.
Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of GMP guidelines and regulatory compliance.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.
Proven time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to continuous improvement and cost optimization.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; advanced skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Familiarity or aptitude for ERP systems is a plus.

Nice To Haves

2+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in manufacturing or the food industry preferred.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, and/or Six Sigma strongly desired.
Experience with food ingredients a plus.

Responsibilities

Supplier Management & Negotiation Build and maintain strong relationships with priority suppliers through regular communication and visits.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and order quantities based on market trends, seasonality, and cost analysis.
Monitor supplier performance using scorecards and participate in quarterly reviews.
Purchasing & Order Management Prepare and submit purchase orders per approval authority guidelines.
Place orders accurately and secure written confirmations within deadlines.
Track open orders, expedite urgent requests, and ensure timely deliveries.
Communicate delivery confirmations and exceptions to internal teams.
Inventory & Material Coordination Analyze ingredient demand and generate orders to meet production requirements.
Monitor and adjust safety stock levels for assigned product lines.
Coordinate internal transfers and manage third-party operations to support production Address obsolete or expired inventory and minimize loss.
Compliance & Quality Assurance Verify supplier compliance with specifications, pricing, delivery schedules, and terms.
Collaborate with QC and Regulatory to ensure incoming products meet all standards.
Manage returns and non-conformance issues with suppliers.
Cross-Functional Support Assist Finance with PO and invoice discrepancies.
Liaise with Scheduling, R&D, and Customer Service to align supply with production needs.
Support the onboarding of new vendors and items, and maintain accurate supplier and item records.
Continuous Improvement Maintain and improve supply chain processes aligned with best practices.
Contribute to process documentation and participate in team meetings and supplier visits.
Stay current on industry trends, commodity developments, and international trade regulations.