Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing operations for our food manufacturing organization. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, this position is responsible for sourcing raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and other essential supplies while ensuring quality, availability, regulatory compliance, and competitive pricing. The Purchasing Manager will negotiate with suppliers, manage vendor performance and documentation, identify new supply sources, and work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Receiving, Accounting, and other departments. This role also supervises the Buyer and supports the company's food safety, sustainability, and BRCGS compliance programs. Duties Lead purchasing activities for raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and other supplies required to support production. Negotiate pricing, service levels, delivery terms, and contracts with suppliers in accordance with the company's Code of Ethics, policies, and business objectives. Obtain and evaluate competitive bids from a minimum of two qualified suppliers whenever appropriate. Monitor market conditions and supplier costs to identify savings opportunities and maintain competitive pricing. Research, evaluate, and develop alternative supply sources when existing suppliers are unable to meet company standards or business requirements. Qualify prospective suppliers through the company's New Vendor Qualification Program. Maintain complete and accurate supplier records, including monitoring expiration dates for all required documentation. Communicate company requirements to suppliers, including product specifications, lot limitations, documentation standards, and receiving appointment procedures. Ensure ongoing compliance with ASC, MSC, and OU certification requirements and maintain records in an audit-ready condition. Support the company's Food Safety Modernization Act initiatives and assist with the development and implementation of food safety programs under the BRCGS system. Exercise the authority necessary to protect and maintain the integrity of the BRCGS system. Interpret material requirements based on production schedules, inventory levels, and forecasts to ensure continuity of supply. Monitor purchase-order delivery dates, investigate delays, and resolve delinquent or incomplete shipments. Verify that purchase orders include the appropriate approvals, account numbers, pricing, and supporting documentation. Coordinate with Quality Assurance and Receiving to ensure incoming materials meet company specifications and supply requirements. Partner with Accounts Payable to resolve purchase-order discrepancies and support timely supplier payments. Update bills of materials when unavoidable price changes occur and communicate those changes to the Corporate Controller. Supervise, support, and provide direction to the Buyer. Follow all applicable environmental, workplace safety, food safety, and corporate requirements. Perform additional duties and provide departmental support as business needs require. Requirements Bachelor's degree or higher in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field. Five to ten years of progressively responsible purchasing experience, preferably within a food manufacturing environment. Previous experience supervising purchasing or procurement staff. Demonstrated success negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, service expectations, and delivery terms. Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, production planning, inventory requirements, and recordkeeping. Experience using enterprise resource planning or electronic business software. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP or a comparable business management system is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing production and supply-chain requirements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work professionally with employees, leadership, suppliers, and external partners at all organizational levels. Knowledge of food safety programs and regulatory requirements is strongly preferred. Familiarity with BRCGS, HACCP, FSMA, ASC, MSC, or related certification programs is a plus. Seafood purchasing experience is highly desirable. Join Vita Food Products as our Purchasing Manager and help ensure that our operations have the quality materials, reliable suppliers, and strategic purchasing support needed to serve our customers successfully.

Pay:

$69,459.20 - $83,649.78 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Experience:

Protein like fish buying: 3 years (Preferred)

Language:

English (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person