Buyer

Tina's Burritos • Vernon, CA

1d

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for end-to-end procurement of raw materials, packaging, and related goods to support manufacturing and distribution operations. This role partners closely with the Purchasing Manager, Demand Planning, Production, Warehouse, Quality, and Finance teams to ensure timely purchasing, cost control, supplier performance, and system accuracy. The Buyer owns supplier relationships within assigned commodities, executes purchase orders based on production and inventory requirements, and maintains full visibility of purchasing activity within the ERP system. This position plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of supply, data integrity, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in purchasing or buying, preferably within food manufacturing or food supply chain environments
• Working knowledge of purchasing principles, inventory management, and vendor management practices
• Experience sourcing commodities such as ingredients, proteins, packaging, or other food-related inputs preferred
• Exposure to contract pricing, forecasting, and vendor performance management is a plus
• Experience working with ERP systems (Microsoft NAV, Dynamics 365, or similar) strongly preferred
• Familiarity with domestic and/or international suppliers and logistics is a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; strong data analysis skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks and drive resolutions
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Professional, tactful, and persistent when working with suppliers and internal teams
• Ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn, grow, and take

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Purchasing Execution Create, manage, and track Purchase Orders (POs) and related documentation in the ERP system
• Place orders based on inventory levels, production schedules, demand forecasts, and safety stock requirements
• Monitor open orders, expected delivery dates, and shipment status to ensure uninterrupted supply
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure alignment between system data, physical inventory, and vendor confirmations
• Maintain Commodity contracts Supplier & Vendor Management Research, evaluate, and select suppliers to improve cost structure, service levels, and supply reliability
• Maintain strong, professional relationships with vendors and serve as the primary point of contact for assigned commodities
• Manage vendor performance, including responsiveness, fill rates, quality issues, and adherence to pricing and terms
• Lead vendor issue resolution, including shortages, late deliveries, damaged product, credits, replacements, and corrective actions
• Support negotiation efforts with suppliers through data analysis, pricing history, and market research Inventory, Forecasting & Data Analysis Analyze historical, quarterly, and annual purchasing data to support inventory planning and purchasing decisions
• Partner with Demand Planning and Production to align purchasing activity with forecasted demand and manufacturing needs
• Monitor inventory trends and proactively flag risks related to shortages, excess inventory, or supply disruptions
• Prepare and maintain reporting on open vs. closed POs and drive issues to resolution Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Warehouse and Receiving teams to reconcile deliveries against purchase orders and resolve discrepancies
• Communicate regularly with Production, Quality, R&D, Sales, and Logistics to understand material requirements and timing
• Partner with R&D to source new ingredients, packaging, or customized materials for new products or reformulations
• Support Accounts Payable by providing purchasing documentation and clarification for invoice matching and discrepancy resolution Systems & Continuous Improvement Maintain accurate vendor, item, and pricing data within the ERP system
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes, reporting, and system automation
• Ensure purchasing practices align with company policies, food safety standards, and internal controls
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees