Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist Wanchese Fish Company - 3.6 Suffolk, VA Job Details Full-time $55,000 - $60,000 a year 1 hour ago Qualifications Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Word embeddings High school diploma or GED Task prioritization Full Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing and Inventory Specialist is responsible for the procurement of all materials necessary to support continuous seafood processing operations at Wanchese Fish Company. This role manages vendor relationships, maintains accurate inventory records through daily physical counts, and ensures that packaging materials, ingredients, chemicals, janitorial supplies, and paper products are available at all times. The Specialist works cross-functionally with production, quality control, and upper management to anticipate supply needs and resolve sourcing issues in a fast-paced, temperature-controlled environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing & Vendor Management Source, evaluate, and purchase all packaging materials, ingredients, chemicals, janitorial supplies, and paper products required by the processing plant. Establish and maintain relationships with existing vendors; actively seek and qualify new suppliers to improve pricing, quality, and service reliability. Negotiate pricing and contract terms to minimize cost while meeting quality and lead-time requirements. Submit purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner using the company's inventory management system. Monitor open purchase orders and coordinate with vendors to ensure on-time delivery. Inventory Management Conduct daily physical inventory counts of all materials in the refrigerated processing plant. Maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory records within the inventory management system. Identify and communicate low-stock situations proactively to prevent production interruptions. Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies between physical counts and system records. Support periodic cycle counts and annual physical inventory audits. Cross-Functional Communication Collaborate with the production team to understand material demand schedules and adjust purchasing plans accordingly. Partner with quality control staff to ensure all purchased materials meet food safety and regulatory specifications. Provide clear, concise updates and reports to the Plant Manager and upper management regarding inventory status, purchasing activity, and vendor performance. Escalate supply chain risks or quality concerns promptly to appropriate stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience High school diploma or GED required 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, or inventory control experience; food manufacturing or seafood processing environment a plus. Skills & Competencies Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) required. Demonstrated experience using an inventory management or ERP system for purchase order processing. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to evaluate vendor proposals and secure favorable terms. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact professionally with vendors, plant personnel, and management. High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, counting, and recordkeeping. Ability to work independently, prioritize competing tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic production environment. Fork lift or pallet jack license is a plus, but not required Physical Requirements Ability to perform daily inventory counts in a refrigerated processing plant environment (temperatures may range from 34°F to 40°F or colder in freezer areas). Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily within a refrigerated seafood processing facility. The employee will be regularly exposed to wet and cold conditions and industrial equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including non-slip footwear, gloves, and cold-weather gear will be required. Remaining time will be spent in an office setting for administrative purchasing duties.