Senior Buyer Amarillo, TX - Cacique Foods LLC

Description

The **Senior Buyer** is responsible for the procurement of a wide variety of commodities, materials, supplies, equipment, and services for the organization, many of which are highly technical and require the application of complex procurement standards and procedures, including negotiation. The Senior Buyer prepares detailed bid specifications, requests for quotations for commodities and services, requests for proposals for commodities and services, and purchase orders. The Senior Buyer employs advanced critical thinking and writing skills in the development and evaluation of the more complex requests for proposals for commodities and services. The Senior Buyer identifies varied sources of commodities and services, evaluates bids, awards contracts and purchase orders, develops standards for new products or services, maintains contact with vendors, and maintains comprehensive descriptions of available products and current prices. The Senior Buyer expedites the ordering and delivery process for commodities or services through the use of automated procurement systems and assures invoice payment by monitoring the process from initiation of a purchase order through the receipt of the goods or services and billing from the vendor or supplier. The Senior Buyer will collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Quality Assurance, Research & Development, Finance and all Operations departments to source products and services required for manufacturing at Cacique. The Senior Buyer actively supports the strategic goals of Caciques procurement team.

Established in 1973, Cacique has affirmed itself as America's leader in Hispanic perishables. Our product offerings span from fresh cheeses, table creams, and processed cheese to cured meats and drinkable yogurts. Our company has a leadership position amongst the Hispanic population nationwide and enjoys a steady path of growth. We are a very dedicated and competitive family-owned company which offers an excellent environment in which to thrive and grow.

Cacique looks to hire future teammates who embody Cacique's Four Pillars: Family, Quality, Integrity and Authenticity. These four Pillars are the values that have been the foundation of Cacique's success since its inception in 1973. Our work culture embraces people who are innovative, resourceful, determined, catalysts of change and champions of our values.

**Required Skills**

Drive the strategic direction for the department, as well as convey and contribute to the tactical execution both at headquarters and the facilities.

Ensures prompt and effective delivery of essential materials and services to the organization with minimum time lag by determining which method of procurement (e.g. request for quotation, request for proposal, single feasible source, emergency, etc.) is appropriate and complies with regulatory guidelines.

Ensures that the goods and services purchased, meet specified conditions and acceptable standards by preparing detailed bid specifications for all items, contract requirements (scope of work) for the establishment of commodity and service contracts, requests for quotations, and/or requests for proposals for commodities and services requested by various departments, investigating commodities substitutions made by vendors and suppliers, serving as a liaison between the organization and vendors, resolving differences regarding the purchase of goods and services, and determining the acceptability of goods and services in coordination with the ordering department or unit.

Through appropriate forward planning, knowledge of inventory management and understanding of vendor lead times, shelf life and minimum order quantities; ensures there are no gaps in supplies that might otherwise negatively impact the production schedule.

Analyzes past and projected purchases individually or by category to identify cost saving opportunities via contracts, spot buys, use of multiple vendors or other techniques aimed at reducing costs.

Conducts vendor spend analysis, identify over-purchases and look for cost savings opportunities.

Ensures a clear understanding of supply requirements across the supply chain by continually and proactively communicating with scheduling, customer service, inventory management and other procurement team members.

Works with Quality team management in updating ingredient specifications, ensuring ingredients meet quality standards and addressing vendor non-compliance.

Manages replenishment plans to achieve service level goals while managing to lowest total supply chain cost.

Evaluates purchase plans and issues purchase orders to drive a balanced supply/demand plan, resolution of back orders, inventory levels, and potential stock out/stock low/excess situations.

Executes analytical and problem-solving techniques to meet business objectives for operational costs, cost savings goals, service levels and inventory management.

Monitor and report on supplier performance using defined KPI measurements in support of periodic business reviews.

Assist in supply continuity planning processes and risk-based assessments.

Order management of assigned purchasing categories, including monitoring of volume and price commitments, renewal strategy, and compliance with Terms and Conditions.

Supports material tracking and traceability objectives.

Direct involvement and coordination of day to day interaction between the supply-base, various facility and HQ teams including Warehousing, Finance, Operations, Planning & Scheduling, Quality and Research & Development.

Contributor and promoter of Cacique culture.

Ability to collaborate cross functionally with all levels of the organization, including Executives, Department Directors and Managers.

**Required Experience**

BS/BA degree is required with an emphasis in Business or Finance preferred.

CPSM or C.P.M certification preferred

APICS certification preferred.

At least 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing and supply chain.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills are also required.

Strong MS Office skills required with the emphasis on heavy Excel experience.

Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 or other comparable MRP/ERP systems preferred.

Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.