Buyer

Position Summary: The position will assist the Director of Operations in the execution of the strategic sourcing process for the purchase of TEA. The Buyer will solicit quotes, pricing and delivery, specifies and confirms materials for TEA required and monitors deadlines and shipping requirements for purchase requisitions, ensuring use of preferred suppliers. Facilitates effective communication of status of orders to internal stakeholders.

Procurement:

• Follow purchasing policies to ensure compliance of Upton Tea supplier certification program.
• Monitor inventory levels & demand and initiate purchase orders to maintain appropriate tea inventory levels
• Assist in negotiation of vendors for goods and services, sourcing the highest quality available at the lowest possible cost, terms and service guarantee.
• Actively participates in the maintenance of a healthy supplier portfolio, seeks out new supplier relationships, monitors existing relationships and proactively participates in problem resolution
• Comply with safety and corporate guidelines on business ethics.
• Follow environmental and safety regulations and acts in compliance with US Laws.
• Maintain supplier documentation including organic and Kosher certifications

Inventory & Production Planning:

• Recommend product additions & deletions base on sales, product cost, market conditions, trends or category management
• Assists with new products and services launch activities
• Assist in developing specials and sales promotion

Systems:

• Set up and maintain item numbers and descriptions within SAGE.
• Data entry of all purchase orders.
• Call, fax, or mail to vendors of all new purchase orders.
• Maintain SAGE supplier data base -pricing, terms, discounts, approved suppliers, Bill of Materials.

Communications:

• Communicate weekly inventory availability and open order report to stakeholders.
• Monthly reporting on inactive/old inventory with recommendations for usage.
• Contact vendors with discrepancies with quantity and quality.
• Interface with all departments and resolve problems.
• Work closely with receiving department to ensure proper supplies arrived.
• Trace delinquent arrivals from purchase orders.
• Assist marketing in sourcing new products and vendors.

Training/other:

• Educate and train employees on tea.
• Assist other departments as required.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• College degree and/or appropriate industrial experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

N/A

COMPETENCIES:

• Have a working knowledge of manufacturing management of varied products and processes in the food industry.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Good communications skills.
• The ability to prioritize work.
• Has had sufficient exposure to agriculture commodities/ingredients purchasing and manufacturing to recognize and anticipate varying trends and market movements to secure competitive advantage and/or avoid financial and supply risks for the corporation.

Current Openings for Buyer Jobs at Upton Tea Imports