Strategic Buyer

Garmon / NaturVet•Temecula, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

NaturVet is seeking a detail-oriented, proactive Strategic Buyer to support its manufacturing operations. The role involves effective sourcing, purchasing, and supplier relationship management. The Strategic Buyer will manage assigned purchasing categories from supplier selection and negotiations through purchase order execution, delivery coordination, and issue resolution to ensure materials are available when needed, meet quality requirements, and support business objectives. This position balances strategic sourcing and supplier development with day-to-day purchasing execution. The role requires close partnership with Production, Operations, Planning, Quality, R&D, Finance, and other internal teams to maintain supply continuity, manage costs, improve purchasing efficiency, and address changing business needs. Responsibilities may include managing categories such as packaging, labels, ingredients, raw materials, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies, and other production-related materials. The role also supports supplier qualification, onboarding, quality documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
At least 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or materials management.
Strong supplier relationship management, sourcing, and negotiation skills, including the ability to manage pricing, lead times, material availability, and supplier performance.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate options, resolve issues, and make sound decisions.
Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and follow-through, with the ability to independently manage priorities and proactively address risks.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing operational environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
Ability to identify sourcing opportunities, recommend process improvements, and contribute to purchasing and supplier strategies.
Knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and applicable industry compliance requirements.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to communicate effectively, review purchasing documentation, and use business systems.
Strong proficiency with ERP systems and purchasing, procurement, inventory, or purchase order tracking systems.
Above-average proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field preferred.
Experience in manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), supplements, cosmetics, or a similar industry preferred.
Experience managing multiple purchasing categories, such as packaging, labels, ingredients, raw materials, MRO, or other manufacturing-related supplies, preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for assigned categories, including sourcing, purchase order creation and maintenance, order tracking, delivery coordination, and resolution of purchasing issues.
Identify and evaluate suppliers, obtain competitive quotes, negotiate pricing and purchasing terms, research market trends, and identify cost-saving and sourcing opportunities.
Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance, address service or delivery concerns, and support ongoing supplier evaluations and improvements.
Partner with internal teams to anticipate material requirements, monitor inventory and purchasing needs, and proactively address potential shortages, delays, or excess inventory.
Source and qualify new suppliers and coordinate onboarding documentation and internal approvals to ensure accurate and complete setup within the ERP system.
Manage sample and First Article Inspection (FAI) processes, including sample requests, supplier follow-up, testing, evaluation, status tracking, and approval documentation.
Work closely with Production, Operations, Planning, Quality, R&D, Finance, and other departments to align purchasing activities with production schedules, specifications, cost objectives, and business needs.
Investigate pricing discrepancies and coordinate with suppliers, Finance, and internal stakeholders to support accurate invoicing and timely invoice approvals.
Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, purchase order, and product information; support audits and supplier documentation requirements; and follow company policies, quality standards, applicable regulatory requirements, and food safety and GMP requirements.
Provide backup purchasing coverage across categories as needed, support assigned MRO purchasing activities, maintain standard operating procedures, and participate in cross-training and knowledge sharing.