BUYER

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company•Atwater, CA

80d•Onsite

About The Position

Joseph Gallo Farms is a respected premium all-natural cheese maker with a passion for sustainable practices. As a third-generation family business, they seek innovative opportunities to maximize profitability while being a trusted and responsible employer. Their success is built on hiring top-notch talent who share a commitment to customers and a passion for making fine quality products using all-natural ingredients. Employees are considered the greatest driving force, and the company ensures their stability by providing Life Insurance and an Employee Assistance Program. Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all full-time employees and their dependents.

Requirements

Purchasing professional who is detail-oriented & accurate, with strong proven purchasing & negotiating skills (Minimum of 4 years related experience in progressively responsible Purchasing role).
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships at all levels, with the confidence to be engaging with vendors as well as management and line workers.
Minimum of 3 years experience in the agricultural and/or consumer products manufacturing (especially Food/Beverage) industries.
Highest level of professionalism and integrity, with the ability to handle and manage confidential information.
Highly effective communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly and concisely articulate ideas and concepts.
Experience and appreciation of a culturally diverse workforce.
Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
Experience in strategic planning and execution, including analyzing and improving existing operations and procedures, formulating policies, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Creative, abstract thinker/problem-solver.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Microsoft Navision system &/or other MRP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

Source and place all orders in a timely manner to ensure no interruption to production.
Meet with suitable vendors to assess their products, inquire about their services, negotiate pricing, and communicate any product or service-related concerns.
Conduct research on available vendors to determine which vendors offer the best pricing and product quality.
Outline and develop opportunities for cost savings including developing RFPs as required.
In conjunction with Quality Assurance, undertake regular vendor audits, as required.
Resolve all payment discrepancies promptly.
Assist in managing the accuracy & reliability of the Navision MRP system database.
Adhere to pre-determined corporate policies & procedures relating to procurement.
Manage the full purchase order (PO) lifecycle from creation and placement through supplier acknowledgment, order confirmation, delivery tracking against expected dates, and final receipt and closure; proactively resolve discrepancies, delays, and invoicing issues to ensure on-time, accurate order fulfillment.
Lead vendor onboarding in compliance with Safe Quality Food Institute (SQF) requirements, including supplier approval, risk assessments, documentation collection (e.g., certifications, COAs, insurance), and coordination with QA to ensure all food safety and regulatory standards are met prior to first purchase.
Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations.
Comply with GMPs in the plant.
Assist in the implementation of Food Safety and Quality Assurance.