Associate Buyer

TriMark USA; Fountain Valley (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Legal insurance

401K with employer match

Community service day

Spotlight awards

National Sales Excellence Awards

CFSP prep Certification Program

Job summary

Chefs’ Toys, a TriMark Company, in Fountain Valley, is hiring a Buyer to optimize procurement, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The role is full-time with hybrid work arrangement and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

You will leverage MRP, update pricing and inventory records, and manage RFQs while ensuring timely resolution of purchase orders and receiving variances. Experience in foodservice goods is a plus.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of buying/planning/sourcing/negotiating experience in a distribution environment or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• As a Buyer, you will optimize procurement processes to secure items at the right price, quantity, and timing.
• Utilize MRP to procure stock and special items with accurate pricing, inventory, and master data.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, handle supplier reviews, and resolve performance issues.
• Collaborate with sales, customer service, and accounting to update price lists and resolve issues.
• Compile RFQ packages to support informed procurement decisions.
• Resolve past-due purchase orders in a timely manner and address receiving variances.

Tools

MRP software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

(a TriMark Company)
Since our founding in 1988, great people have proven to be a fundamental ingredient in the recipe for our success. Our business philosophy is to treat everyone with respect including customers, suppliers, and of course our terrific employees. As part of TriMark USA which is one of the country’s largest providers of foodservice equipment & supplies, Chefs’ Toys has 6 retail stores across California, an eCommerce platform, and a large delivery & installation fleet. We have some of the best and brightest career-minded foodservice professionals in the industry, many of whom are trained in the culinary arts. If you have a passion for food and love a great working environment where hard work is rewarded, you'll fit in nicely at Chefs' Toys.

Chefs’ Toys(a TriMark Company)
Since our founding in 1988, great people have proven to be a fundamental ingredient in the recipe for our success. Our business philosophy is to treat everyone with respect including customers, suppliers, and of course our terrific employees. As part of TriMark USA which is one of the country’s largest providers of foodservice equipment & supplies, Chefs’ Toys has 6 retail stores across California, an eCommerce platform, and a large delivery & installation fleet. We have some of the best and brightest career-minded foodservice professionals in the industry, many of whom are trained in the culinary arts. If you have a passion for food and love a great working environment where hard work is rewarded, you'll fit in nicely at Chefs' Toys.

Why you’ll love it here!

• Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Pet, and Legal Insurance
• 401k
• Community Service Day
• Spotlight Awards
• National Sales Excellence Awards
• CFSP Prep Certification Program

Position Summary

• The Buyer reports to the Divisional Director, Purchasing
• Located in Fountain Valley
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

As a Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing our procurement processes, ensuring the acquisition of items and goods at the right price, quantity, and timing. Your focus on building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers will contribute to meeting customer needs and achieving overall inventory and working capital objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of the assigned product category and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including accounting and operations, to handle invoicing, cost discrepancies, and receiving variances.

Strategic Procurement

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize MRP to procure special and stock items with a focus on the right quantity, cost, and timing.
• Update pricing, inventory, and master files to maintain accuracy.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and develop relationships with key suppliers to enhance collaboration and ensure reliable supply chains.
• Perform supplier reviews, address performance issues, and provide effective solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interact with sales personnel by providing price lists, updates on out-of-stock items, and recommending alternatives.
• Work closely with customer service and accounting teams to resolve issues, including payment discrepancies and product-related inquiries.

RFQ Management

• Compile comprehensive RFQ packages to facilitate informed decision-making in the procurement process.

Timely Resolution

• Ensure timely resolution of past-due purchase orders to meet departmental goals.
• Collaborate with the operations team to address receiving variances and over/under shipments.

Competencies

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and experienced in MRP usage.
• Strong vendor management skills to establish and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated organizational abilities with a strong sense of urgency.

Qualifications & Experience

• 2 – 4 years of buying/planning/sourcing/negotiating experience in a distribution environment or equivalent military or practical experience, or equivalent military or practical experience.
• Experience with paper, disposables, or janitorial products is a plus.
• Experience in the food service industry.
• Familiarity with contracts and rebates.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check post offer acceptance.

Compensation includes the posted base salary range and does not reflect potential commission, incentive, bonus, or other additional compensation opportunities, where applicable. Total compensation is determined based based on experience, skills, internal equity, geographic location, and other job-related compensatory factors. In addition to base salary, this role will be eligible for participation in TriMark’s’ benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, 401K (with employer match), etc. Leadership positions may also qualify for participation in bonus programs commensurate with role and scope of responsibility.

TriMark USA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail]