Overview:

The Purchasing Manager leads procurement strategy and execution for the factory. This covers raw materials (fruit, purees, concentrates, ingredients), packaging materials (pouches, caps, cartons, labels, display shippers), and the other indirect goods and services production needs. This role ensures continuity of supply at a competitive total cost, with the quality, food safety, and regulatory standards required by customers and markets. The position works closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Finance, and Logistics. Scope may vary based on organizational needs.

Duties:

Define and execute the purchasing strategy for raw materials, packaging materials, and indirect goods and services, aligned with the production plan and business objectives.

Develop, qualify, and manage the supplier base, including approval of new suppliers together with Quality, and maintain alternative sources for critical materials.

Lead negotiations of prices, contracts, payment terms, and supply agreements, ensuring a competitive total landed cost (price, freight, duties, and lead times).

Ensure material availability in coordination with Demand and Production Planning, managing MOQs, lead times, safety stocks, and purchasing calendars to avoid line stoppages.

Supervise purchase order issuance, follow-up, and ERP accuracy (Business Central), including approval workflows and compliance with internal policies.

Monitor supplier performance (OTIF, quality, non-conformities, claims) and lead corrective actions and supplier development plans.

Track market trends, commodity prices, and supply risks (crop seasons, tariffs, currency), proposing mitigation strategies and cost-saving initiatives.

Coordinate with Quality to ensure suppliers meet specifications, certifications, and food safety requirements (e.g., GFSI, allergen, and traceability documentation).

Manage packaging material development and changes (artwork, specifications, reprints) together with Marketing, Quality, and Production.

Control the purchasing budget, report KPIs and savings to management, and support the definition of budgets and standard costs with Finance.

Lead, train, and develop the purchasing team.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field; a master’s degree or MBA is a plus.

4+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, including at least 4 years in a leadership role, preferably in food & beverage or consumer goods manufacturing.

Proven experience purchasing raw materials and flexible/rigid packaging materials.

Strong negotiation, contract management, and cost analysis skills.

Knowledge of international purchasing, Incoterms, import processes, and duties.

Advanced Excel and ERP system knowledge; Business Central experience is a plus.

Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Fluent in English and Spanish a plus