Buyer II

Oregon Freeze Dry•Albany, OR

13h

About The Position

The Buyer II procures raw materials, packaging, and indirect materials to support manufacturing operations. The role manages supplier relationships, negotiates commercial terms, monitors inventory requirements, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply of materials. The position creates and manages purchase orders in the ERP system, monitors inventory and demand information, addresses supply disruptions, supports supplier qualification and sourcing, and analyzes purchasing and supplier data to identify savings and process improvements. It also ensures compliance with company policies and applicable food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including SQF, FDA, and USDA regulations. The work environment is fast-paced, with moderate noise, frequent interruptions, and periodic exposure to plant conditions such as varying temperatures, fumes, and wet, dry, or high-noise areas. Off-shift, weekend, and overtime duties may be required. Occasional travel to company, vendor, and other business-related locations is expected, generally about 5–10% of working time, and may include day or overnight trips by car or air.

Requirements

Generally, at least three years of purchasing experience, including in a manufacturing environment, with a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
Working knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, demand planning, and procurement processes in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to manage supplier relationships, negotiate routine commercial terms, and resolve supply, service, and delivery issues.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including evaluating purchasing, inventory, supplier, and demand data and making recommendations.
Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory management tools, Microsoft Office applications, and Excel.
Ability to build effective working relationships and communicate professionally with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, maintain attention to detail, and support continuous improvement, food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Ability to use English written and oral communication skills.
Ability to travel occasionally, generally approximately 5–10% of working time; travel may include day and overnight trips by car or air.
Off-shift, weekend, and overtime duties may be required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends through professional associations, continuing education, certifications, or industry networking (e.g., ISM, APICS, or equivalent).

Responsibilities

Procure raw materials, packaging, and indirect materials needed for production schedules and business operations.
Create, release, and manage purchase orders through the ERP system to ensure timely replenishment.
Monitor inventory levels, demand forecasts, supplier lead times, and consumption trends to maintain material availability and minimize excess inventory.
Act as the procurement contact for assigned suppliers and materials, coordinating supply requirements and communicating material concerns to internal stakeholders.
Develop supplier relationships that support quality, delivery, service, and cost objectives.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and other commercial terms within established authority levels.
Monitor supplier performance and work with suppliers to resolve quality, delivery, service, and cost issues.
Collaborate with Production Planning, Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and other departments on material requirements and supply chain challenges.
Identify and resolve material shortages, supply disruptions, and delivery concerns to minimize operational impact.
Support supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance review activities.
Conduct supplier evaluations, obtain quotations, and support sourcing activities for existing products and operational needs.
Analyze purchasing, inventory, supplier, and demand data to identify cost savings, inventory optimization, and process improvement opportunities.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, supplier performance, and inventory management.
Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including SQF, FDA, and USDA regulations.
Participate in department meetings, projects, and cross-functional initiatives.
Maintain regular and reliable full-time attendance and exhibit professional conduct consistent with company policies and practices.
Align daily actions with OFD's cultural values and company culture.