Purchasing Specialist

About Us Il Pastaio di Brescia is an Italian pasta and gnocchi company known for premium quality, authentic craftsmanship, and innovation in food production. Our products are enjoyed across the U.S. and internationally, and we're proud to launch our first U.S. manufacturing facility right here in Allenwood, Pennsylvania . This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing operation rooted in Italian tradition, with a strong focus on quality, teamwork, and people.

Position Summary:

The Purchasing Specialist supports the company by coordinating the purchase of materials, supplies, services, and equipment required for daily plant operations. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate purchasing records, working with vendors, supporting inventory availability, and helping ensure that purchases are completed timely, cost-effectively, and in accordance with company policies. The position requires strong organization, follow-up, communication, and attention to detail to support production continuity and overall business needs. Competencies & Activities Purchasing & Purchase Order Management Create, process, and track purchase orders for raw materials, packaging, spare parts, supplies, services, and other business needs Verify purchase requests for accuracy, required approvals, pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and supporting documentation Coordinate with internal departments to confirm purchasing needs, priorities, specifications, and delivery requirements Monitor open purchase orders and follow up on delivery status, delays, backorders, or discrepancies Maintain organized purchasing files, purchase order records, quotations, approvals, and related documentation Vendor & Supplier Coordination Communicate with vendors and suppliers regarding pricing, product availability, lead times, delivery schedules, and order status Request quotes, compare pricing, and assist with identifying cost-effective purchasing options Support vendor onboarding by collecting required documents such as W-9 forms, payment information, certifications, and contact details Assist with maintaining vendor records, preferred supplier lists, and supplier communication history Escalate supplier service, quality, delivery, or pricing concerns to management in a timely manner Inventory & Materials Support Work closely with inventory control, warehouse, production, and planning teams to support material availability Assist in monitoring stock levels, reorder needs, and potential shortages that may impact production or operations Coordinate purchasing activity for raw materials, packaging, ingredients, maintenance parts, sanitation supplies, PPE, and general plant supplies Support receiving and invoice-matching processes by helping resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, deliveries, and vendor invoices Assist with maintaining accurate item descriptions, units of measure, pricing, and supplier information in purchasing or inventory systems Cost Control & Compliance Follow company purchasing procedures, approval levels, documentation requirements, and internal controls Assist with reviewing pricing, freight charges, minimum order quantities, and payment terms to support cost control Help identify opportunities for savings, improved lead times, vendor consolidation, and process improvements Support compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements when purchasing applicable materials or services Communicate any irregularities, urgent risks, or non-compliant purchasing activity to a supervisor promptly Administrative & Reporting Support Maintain purchasing reports, open order trackers, vendor lists, and purchasing documentation Assist with preparing reports related to purchase activity, delivery status, pricing, and supplier performance as requested by management Coordinate with Finance/Accounting to resolve invoice issues, missing documentation, payment questions, or vendor account discrepancies Support general administrative tasks related to purchasing, procurement, and supply chain activities Key Competencies Basic understanding of purchasing, procurement, inventory, and vendor management processes Strong attention to detail and accuracy when reviewing purchase orders, pricing, quantities, and documentation Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, suppliers, and internal departments Strong organization, follow-up, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Problem-solving skills to help resolve order, delivery, inventory, and invoice discrepancies Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision Ability to handle pricing, vendor, and business information with confidentiality Team-oriented attitude with a focus on supporting operations and business continuity Benefits We value our employees and offer a strong benefits package including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401(k) with 4% Company Match - 100% vested after 1 year Rewarding Paid Time Off Stable, growing organization with training and advancement opportunities Why Join Us? You'll be part of a company bringing authentic Italian food craftsmanship to the United States and helping build something new and meaningful. If you value teamwork, quality, and growth, we'd love to have you on our team.