About the Role
The Lead Procurement Specialist will manage the sourcing and purchasing of all non-seafood materials required to support our processing, packaging, and distribution operations. This includes ingredients, packaging materials, machine parts, and other operational supplies. The ideal candidate is a skilled negotiator with a proven track record of vendor management, cost optimization, and inventory planning in a manufacturing or food production environment.
Key Activities
Source, vet, and qualify vendors for ingredients, packaging materials, machine parts, and general operational supplies.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts to secure the most favorable terms for the company.
Build and maintain strong vendor relationships while continuously evaluating alternative suppliers for cost, quality, and reliability.
Conduct periodic vendor performance reviews (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, pricing competitiveness).
Resolve vendor disputes, quality issues, and delivery discrepancies.
Monitor inventory levels across all non-seafood materials to ensure adequate stock without overordering.
Establish and maintain reorder points, safety stock levels, and lead-time assumptions for key materials.
Coordinate with production, warehouse, and logistics teams to align purchasing with production schedules and demand forecasts.
Identify and help resolve slow-moving, excess, or obsolete inventory.
Issue and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of pricing, quantities, and delivery timelines.
Track open orders and proactively resolve delays or shortages before they impact production.
Maintain organized procurement records, vendor files, and pricing history for audit and reporting purposes.
Partner with Finance/Accounting on invoice discrepancies, pricing accuracy, and cost accruals.
Serve as the primary point of contact for procurement-related questions across departments.
Mentor or oversee junior procurement/purchasing staff, as applicable.
Develop and refine procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.
Preferred Skills
Experience procuring packaging materials and/or MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) parts for manufacturing equipment.
Familiarity with food safety/quality standards affecting packaging and ingredient sourcing.
Prior experience in a lead or supervisory procurement role.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience, ideally in food manufacturing, processing, or a related industrial environment.
Demonstrated success negotiating vendor contracts and pricing.
Experience managing inventory levels and replenishment planning.
About Us
Finding a great opportunity that fosters growth, a great culture, and leadership opportunities can be difficult. Top Quality Recruitment (TQR) connects professionals with leadership opportunities across the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Medical Devices, and Biotechnology industries. With 50+ years of experience, we believe in one-to-one communication and finding the best candidate/employer match possible.
TQR is an equal-opportunity employer that encourages diversity. We will consider all applications.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.
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