Buyer & Logistics Coordinator

Charlie's Produce•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Buyer & Logistics Coordinator is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels, sourcing new products, developing reliable supplier relationships, and coordinating product logistics for Nature’s World. The role aims to ensure consistent product availability while minimizing excess inventory, controlling costs, and supporting sales growth. It requires proactive inventory planning, strong vendor relationships, and coordination with sales, production, and warehouse operations.

Requirements

3–5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or category management experience.
Proven success sourcing new products and alternative suppliers that improve cost, quality, availability, or margin.
Demonstrated ability to develop strong new supplier relationships and expand sourcing options.
Track record of negotiating improved pricing, terms, programs, and service levels.
Strong analytical skills and ability to use sales, margin, inventory, and market data to drive purchasing decisions.
Experience with forecasting, inventory management, replenishment, and vendor performance.
Proactive, results-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement and challenging existing sourcing strategies.
Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency in Excel and ERP/purchasing systems.

Nice To Haves

Food distribution, fresh produce, or food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Maintain appropriate inventory levels to prevent out-of-stocks and excess inventory.
Monitor sales movement, inventory trends, and lead times to forecast purchasing needs.
Establish reorder points and proactively address potential shortages.
Coordinate purchasing with sales forecasts, promotions, and production needs.
Minimize aging, short-dated, and obsolete inventory.
Identify and source new products based on customer demand and market opportunities.
Evaluate product quality, pricing, availability, and minimum order quantities.
Negotiate competitive costs and purchasing terms.
Collaborate with sales and management on new product opportunities.
Identify and qualify alternate suppliers to improve product availability and pricing.
Develop backup suppliers for key products to reduce supply chain risks.
Regularly evaluate vendor pricing, quality, lead times, and reliability.
Maintain strong supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
Manage purchase orders, inbound freight, and delivery schedules.
Coordinate with vendors, warehouse, and production teams to ensure timely deliveries.
Resolve shipment delays, shortages, and discrepancies.
Identify opportunities to reduce freight and purchasing costs.
Communicate inventory concerns and supply updates to management.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning the first of the month following hire.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) retirement savings plan.
Paid vacation and company holidays.
State sick leave benefits.
100% prepaid college tuition for employees and their eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Opportunities for career development and advancement.
Bonus eligibility, depending on experience.
Potential 90-day performance-based raise.
Yearly review with possibility of an increase based on performance and tenure.