Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain
Reports To: Purchasing Manager / Director of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Om Produce is a rapidly growing importer and distributor of high-quality North American fresh produce, dairy, and grocery products. We are seeking a Senior Buyer to join our dynamic team in Irving, Texas. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact and grow your career with a company that values excellence, quality, and its people.
The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading high-level procurement activities, managing key vendor relationships, and ensuring an efficient, cost-effective, and quality-focused purchasing process. This role oversees the sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of products, supplies, and materials while collaborating closely with Operations, Inventory, Warehouse, Finance, and Quality teams to support business goals and ensure uninterrupted supply.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
- Develop and execute purchasing strategies to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and high-quality products.
- Identify and evaluate new vendors, products, and sourcing opportunities.
- Conduct market and pricing analysis to anticipate trends, shortages, and opportunities.
Vendor & Supplier Management
- Manage key vendor relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for high-volume and high-impact suppliers.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and service-level agreements (SLAs).
- Monitor supplier performance, quality issues, fulfillment accuracy, and on-time delivery.
- Resolve escalated vendor disputes, shortages, or inconsistencies.
Purchasing Operations
- Review and approve purchase orders (POs) in alignment with inventory goals, budget requirements, and operational needs.
- Maintain accurate item files, pricing, lead times, and supplier data in ERP systems (e.g., SAP Business One).
- Track orders from initiation through delivery, ensuring timely fulfillment and resolving delays.
- Work collaboratively with Receiving, Warehouse, and Inventory teams to address discrepancies, rejections, or quality concerns.
Inventory & Cost Management
- Collaborate with the Inventory and Finance teams to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce aging or obsolete inventory.
- Analyze historical usage data, forecasts, and production schedules to place timely replenishment orders.
- Support cost-savings initiatives, including alternative sourcing, freight optimization, and vendor consolidation.
- Monitor market conditions to recommend price changes or purchasing adjustments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Logistics teams to understand product requirements, solve supply issues, and support new product introductions.
- Provide purchasing expertise in operational meetings and project discussions.
- Communicate supply risks, mitigation plans, and cost impacts to leadership.
Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare purchasing reports, spend analysis, and cost-saving summaries for leadership.
- Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, vendor agreements, and quality standards.
- Assist in the development and improvement of procurement SOPs, workflows, and best practices.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or the food/produce industry.
- Strong experience with ERP systems (SAP Business One preferred).
- Proven track record of negotiation, vendor management, and cost-reduction initiatives.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
- Ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
Physical & Workplace Requirements
- Ability to work in a warehouse/production environment as needed to inspect product or resolve issues.
- Prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, and phone communication.
- Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Occasional travel to vendors or industry events.
Salary: $80-$100K
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.