FNS Sourcing Specialist

FNS Sourcing Specialist Mesquite, TX Job Details Full-time 21 hours ago Qualifications Vendor relationship building School experience Computer operation Strategic management Fiscal management Procurement strategy development Word processing Regulatory compliance Bachelor's degree in business Filing Purchase order management Mid-level Databases Invoice payment processing Analysis skills Supervising experience Bidding project phase Developing strategic sourcing strategies Math Presentation skills Bachelor's degree Budget planning Legislation Accounting Conflict management Updating inventory records Vendor relationship management Participating in conferences Vendor negotiation Damaged goods handling Phone call management Business Supply Chain Management Communication skills Regulatory compliance management

Full Job Description JobID:

3082

Position Type:

Auxiliary -

Food Service Date Posted:

4/7/2026

Location:

Food Service Professional Compensation Plan Salary Range:

Mesquite ISD -

Compensation Plans Shift Type:

Full-Time Wage/Hour Status:

Exempt Reports To :

AssistantDirector – Food & Nutrition Support Services

EMPLOYMENT BEGINS

As soon as possible

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Provide leadership and strategic oversight for sourcing and procurement activities for the Food & Nutrition Services Department. Responsible for securing food, supplies, equipment, and services through cost-effective and compliant sourcing practices while supporting the effective use of USDA Foods and commodity entitlement. Ensures purchasing operations align with federal, state, and district regulations, supports fiscal accountability within the Child Nutrition budget, and supervises support staff to maintain efficient purchasing and accounts payable processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain or applicable field, preferred Minimum of three years' work experience in School Nutrition, preferred.

TASBO & SNS

Certification, preferred.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Working knowledge of procedures for purchasing and invoicing supplies and equipment. Knowledge of Federal, State, school district and local District purchasing laws, rules, regulations, practices and procedures preferred. Knowledge of and skill in applying advanced purchasing tools and techniques. Proficient skills in word processing, personal computer operation, electronic mail and high level of reading/analysis capability/math skills and the ability to develop spreadsheets and databases of bid-related documentation. Skill in developing and preparing product specifications. Exhibit effective communication and interpersonal skills. Accounting skills and in-depth knowledge of Excel.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in purchasing for K-12 or School Nutrition industry preferred. Three to five years of purchasing as a buyer and knowledge of School Nutrition industry preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Follow all regulations set by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the USDA Child Nutrition Programs and ensure that FNS is compliant with all federal, state and local procurement regulations. Responsible for keeping abreast and up to date of rapid changes within the Child Nutrition field and legislative regulations. Receive, handle and/or supervise incoming calls from Food & Nutrition Managers and Supervisors regarding shortages, damaged products, out-of-date products, missed deliveries, late deliveries, etc. Contact distributors to handle and/or supervise and remedy problems, negotiate refunds, schedule product pick up and notifies Accounts Payable of credits, product/pricing changes. Monitor food recalls by working with the distributor and/or manufacturer; evaluate and determine product loss and pick up for destruction; requests reimbursement; and inform all interested parties. Audit distributor/vendor invoices. Notify Accounts Payable of requested credits or product/pricing changes and assist in resolving pricing discrepancies. Coordinate with the menu planner if a substitution is necessary due to manufacturer shortages. Collaborate with FNS Dietitian/Culinary Trainer as needed on menu changes or distributor shortages due to price trends and market conditions, and input on menu as necessary. Assist the FNS Dietitian & Culinary Trainer in scheduling specialty or seasonal produce items when necessary. Maintain a good working relationship with vendors and know the goods and services to be purchased by visiting with vendors, attending local food shows, Region 10 or commodity meetings, and TASN/TASBO or other pertinent annual conferences. Stay abreast of sources of supply and new product development. Coordinate all smallwares orders placed for ongoing needs, new construction, and replacement to kitchens. Assess vendor performance relative to product acceptability and vendor service. Sustain a close working relationship with the Administrator of the Commodity Processing Co-op and Prospering Pals Co-op. Review allocation of federal funds for processing/purchasing commodities and monitor inventory to maintain acceptable state levels of inventory. Assist in the preparation and submission of the USDA annual commodity catalog order. Purchase food, non-food supplies, and equipment by competitive bidding, informal quotations, and negotiations. Manage and update current inventory items and pricing in Primero, and work with the FNS Dietitian and Coordinator of Compliance & Technology as needed. Collaborate with the Department of Purchasing Senior Buyer on child nutrition purchases. Maintain all records and files for bid and proposal documents, including award letters, bidders' list, extension letters, and special requirements. Obtain and evaluate quotes for the best quality, customer service, and price. Manage rebate and incentive programs. Assist the Assistant Director of Finance & Support Services in reviewing MUNIS monthly reports and ensure that purchases were charged to the correct accounting codes. Assist the maintenance department with purchases and budget planning for all equipment, maintenance, or other spending. Approve or deny purchases based on allocated funds available. Manage the duties of the FNS Buyer and FNS Accounts payable. Assist FNS travel by ensuring district travel procedures are followed, helping to prepare forms, submitting requests for district travel cards, and submitting check requests for reimbursements Monitor purchase requisitions from document preparation to PO creation, ensuring accuracy of calculations and providing coding Maintain documentation related to FNS contracts Implement and handle adjustments with the supplier, including replacement of material not conforming to specifications, cancellation of orders, and receipt of proper credits. Completes at least twelve (12) hours of professional development training per year. Gives and receives feedback positively; Resolves conflict in a respectful manner. Is available for work on a consistent and timely basis with infrequent unplanned absences. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Respects the talent and unique contributions of every individual, culture, and ethnic group to increase the effectiveness of the unit; Influences the culture in ways that value and support diversity. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

FNS Buyer

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Demands:

Reading, writing, and comprehending instruction, correspondence, financial reports, and other job-related documents. Speaking and presenting effectively before vendors, administration, and staff. Calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interests, and proportions per case on food products. Work with frequent interruptions & deadlines and meeting deadlines while attending necessary meetings and visiting with vendors. Communicating well in both oral and written form. Maintain professionalism while working under stress. Being able to work with staff and meet multiple demands. Complying with timelines and short deadlines.

Physical demands/environmental factors:

Sitting and standing for extensive periods of time. Walking, bending, squatting, and repetitive motions with hands, arms, and fingers. Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 50 pounds. Exposure to extreme hot/cold temperatures. Reaching with hands and arms and frequently repeating the same hand, arm, or finger motion. Seeing close work, such as typed or handwritten material. Reliable transportation required. Frequent travel to MISD sites required. Limited travel within Texas and the United States may be required. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.