Senior Procurement Specialist

Crescent Foods • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior Procurement Specialist ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of high-quality goods that meet food safety standards and regulatory requirements. This is a highly collaborative role that will partner with production control, quality assurance, warehouse operations, receiving, shipping and planning. Follow procedures that apply to Finished Packaged Goods, Raw Material, and Packaging Material that maintain accurate purchasing levels and aid in minimizing excess inventory, reduce carrying costs and minimizing storage issues. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of food supply chains, vendor management, and procurement best practices.  This position typically works traditional hours, but occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required to successfully meet customers’ needs. IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO: Conducts an inventory periodically. Recommends replenishments for items after inventory process to keep production running. Reviews and prepares requisitions to accurately create purchase orders for the acquisition of materials. Design all quotes for new and existing vendors Recommend improvements to all deliveries and process all purchase order requests Design and implement various cost-effective strategies Monitor inventory of all repair parts and general supplies Evaluate all purchase requisitions and maintain accuracy according to department’s procedures Monitor all purchase orders and maintain regular follow-up with all suppliers Monitor all control costs of purchase materials and ensure achievement of all targets Monitor all inventory of products and prepare all purchase plans to meet sales demands with accuracy Maintain regular contact with vendors and suppliers Process returns, exchanges within 24 hours Work with specific software to maintain and access records, invoices, purchase orders and bidding contracts Build good business relationships with vendors to result in better service and prices Report weekly all aspects of tasks completed throughout the week Assist with the end-to-end supply chain solutions for inbound freight delivery across the Crescent Foods enterprise from supplier to Crescent Foods operating companies, or other fiscal entities. Assisting with overseeing the inventory management process, defining departmental strategies for appropriate inventory levels and identifying improvement opportunities by assessing current processes/practices Update warehouse management sheets and system with corrected inventory counts or product moves Maintain a stock control system that provides accurate and up to date information concerning stock orders Receive and check goods received at Crescent Foods, following policies and procedures Analyze Sales statistics on stock ranges with the Purchasing Manager to ensure we are meeting customer demands Follow Good Manufacturing Practices. Review sales forecasts; compare results and update as appropriate. Check all invoice discrepancies involving vendors in your area of responsibility. Correct and have the purchasing manager approve and return to accounting in a timely manner Respond to the various departments within the organization who may need information regarding vendors, products deliveries, etc. Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed to complete count duties Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

Requirements

• Knowledge of state, local and federal food safety laws including SQF, USDA, GMP’s, CCP, HACCP, SSOPs and SOPs, Food Defense and Food Safety Culture guidelines and regulations.
• Time management, business acumen, collaboration, decision-making and always using ethical conduct
• Proficient in standard business Microsoft office software
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Fluency in written and verbal English
• Proven ability to think independently and handle multiple projects through to completion record of successfully collaborating with management and peers
• Demonstrated independent work initiative, sound judgment, diplomacy, analytical ability and professional demeanor
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Food Science, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of procurement experience, with at least 2 years in the food or beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, ingredient sourcing, and supplier audits.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and procurement platforms.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Passion for food quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CIPS)
• Familiarity with sourcing and import/export regulations for food products.

Responsibilities

• Conducts an inventory periodically.
• Recommends replenishments for items after inventory process to keep production running.
• Reviews and prepares requisitions to accurately create purchase orders for the acquisition of materials.
• Design all quotes for new and existing vendors
• Recommend improvements to all deliveries and process all purchase order requests
• Design and implement various cost-effective strategies
• Monitor inventory of all repair parts and general supplies
• Evaluate all purchase requisitions and maintain accuracy according to department’s procedures
• Monitor all purchase orders and maintain regular follow-up with all suppliers
• Monitor all control costs of purchase materials and ensure achievement of all targets
• Monitor all inventory of products and prepare all purchase plans to meet sales demands with accuracy
• Maintain regular contact with vendors and suppliers
• Process returns, exchanges within 24 hours
• Work with specific software to maintain and access records, invoices, purchase orders and bidding contracts
• Build good business relationships with vendors to result in better service and prices
• Report weekly all aspects of tasks completed throughout the week
• Assist with the end-to-end supply chain solutions for inbound freight delivery across the Crescent Foods enterprise from supplier to Crescent Foods operating companies, or other fiscal entities.
• Assisting with overseeing the inventory management process, defining departmental strategies for appropriate inventory levels and identifying improvement opportunities by assessing current processes/practices
• Update warehouse management sheets and system with corrected inventory counts or product moves
• Maintain a stock control system that provides accurate and up to date information concerning stock orders
• Receive and check goods received at Crescent Foods, following policies and procedures
• Analyze Sales statistics on stock ranges with the Purchasing Manager to ensure we are meeting customer demands
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Review sales forecasts; compare results and update as appropriate.
• Check all invoice discrepancies involving vendors in your area of responsibility.
• Correct and have the purchasing manager approve and return to accounting in a timely manner
• Respond to the various departments within the organization who may need information regarding vendors, products deliveries, etc.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed to complete count duties
• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level