BUYER at Joseph Gallo Farms in Atwater, CA

Apply Description ABOUT JOSEPH GALLO FARMS We are one of the most respected premium all-natural cheese makers in North America, and we continue to win prestigious awards for, not only our high quality products, but also in recognition of our passion for sustainable practices. Today, we are in our third generation as a family business, who seeks innovative opportunities to maximize profitability & return on all assets, while being a trusted & responsible employer, who actively participates in the community & who cherishes the natural environment. Our success is based upon the quality of the employees that we hiretop-notch talent who share our companys commitment to our customers and a passion for making the countrys finest quality products, using only all natural ingredients. Our employees are our greatest driving force, and we pride ourselves on ensuring their stability. All our employees receive Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program! Joseph Gallo Farms also offers a competitive benefits package at a group rate to all our full-time employees and their dependents. Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan w/ company match Health Insurance Dental Vision Educational Reimbursement Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc.) Free cheese! Requirements Summary of Functions: The Buyer will be responsible for day-to-day recurring purchases for the Procurement Department supporting production and maintenance departments, sourcing all ingredients and MRO items. This position will be relied upon as a major contributor to achieving departmental goals through developing and building strategies for the vendors of all direct materials. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Source and place all orders in a timely manner to ensure no interruption to production. Meet with suitable vendors to assess their products, inquire about their services, negotiate pricing, and communicate any product or service-related concerns. Conduct research on available vendors to determine which vendors offer the best pricing and product quality. Outline and develop opportunities for cost savings including developing RFPs as required In conjunction with Quality Assurance, undertake regular vendor audits, as required Resolve all payment discrepancies promptly Assist in managing the accuracy & reliability of the Navision MRP system database Adhere to pre-determined corporate policies & procedures relating to procurement. Manage the full purchase order (PO) lifecycle from creation and placement through supplier acknowledgment, order confirmation, delivery tracking against expected dates, and final receipt and closure; proactively resolve discrepancies, delays, and invoicing issues to ensure on-time, accurate order fulfillment. Lead vendor onboarding in compliance with Safe Quality Food Institute (SQF) requirements, including supplier approval, risk assessments, documentation collection (e.g., certifications, COAs, insurance), and coordination with QA to ensure all food safety and regulatory standards are met prior to first purchase. Food Safety Requirements/Responsibilities: Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations. Comply with GMPs in the plant. Assist in the implementation of Food Safety and Quality Assurance. Organizational Relationships: Position reports to Purchasing Management. Position has no direct reports Qualifications: Purchasing professional who is detail-oriented & accurate, with strong proven purchasing & negotiating skills (Minimum of 4 years related experience in progressively responsible Purchasing role) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships at all levels, with the confidence to be engaging with vendors as well as management and line workers Minimum of 3 years experience in the agricultural and/or consumer products manufacturing (especially Food/Beverage) industries Highest level of professionalism and integrity, with the ability to handle and manage confidential information Highly effective communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly and concisely articulate ideas and concepts Experience and appreciation of a culturally diverse workforce Knowledge of Microsoft Navision system &/or other MRP systems is a plus Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Experience in strategic planning and execution, including analyzing and improving existing operations and procedures, formulating policies, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Creative, abstract thinker/problem-solver Physical Demands: Office environment, as well as production environment. Occasionally may lift or carry up to 50 pounds. Work Environment: Indoor primarily with some outdoor activity. Typically, quiet in the office while noisy on the production floor. This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned. Joseph Gallo Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer / EEO Salary Description $27.00 - $36.00/hr