Senior Buyer

Job Title: Senior Buyer

Job Description

Responsible for the purchasing of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging for the company. This role involves maintaining supplier records, both physical and electronic, ensuring the integrity of record-keeping systems, and strategic planning. The Senior Buyer will negotiate with suppliers to secure the best price and service that meet the minimum standards for all items purchased.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with suppliers under the guidelines of company ethics and policies.
• Maintain up-to-date supplier files by monitoring expiration dates of all required documents.
• Communicate company policies regarding product specifications and booking receiving appointments to suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with all ASC/MSC/OU certification requirements, keeping them audit-ready at all times.
• Support FSMA Initiatives within the company.
• Research and expand new supply sources where current suppliers are inadequate.
• Vet new potential suppliers through the New Vendor Qualification Program.
• Seek competitive bids for all purchases, analyze bids, and make awards.
• Negotiate contracts when appropriate and monitor market costs during the term.
• Update BOMs with unavoidable price changes and communicate these with the Corporate Controller.
• Verify appropriate approvals and account numbers for Purchase Orders.
• Work closely with Quality and Receiving Departments to ensure proper supplies arrive and Accounts Payable to ensure timely payments.
• Monitor the timeliness of Purchase Order deliveries and research any delinquent arrivals.
• Follow environmental and safety regulations and comply with US laws.
• Comply with safety and corporate guidelines.
• Aid in the development and implementation of Food Safety Fundamentals and Food Safety Plan as outlined in the BRCGS system.
• Have the authority to take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the BRCGS system.
• Interpret and implement material needs based on production schedules and forecasts.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5 to 10 years of progressive purchasing experience, preferably in a protein food manufacturing environment (pork, chicken, fish, or beef)
• Prior supervision of staff
• Experience with electronic business software
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP or related business software

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge and Implementation of Food Safety Initiatives
• Knowledge of Seafood Purchasing
• Experience with purchase orders, ERP, SAP, MRP
• Negotiation and buying experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
• Vendor management
• Contract negotiation skills

Work Environment

The role operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in an office environment. This position reports to the President & CEO and supervises the Purchasing Manager.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $79000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). 2 weeks vacation - 6 days paid sick time.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 24, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.