Buyer, Ingredients & Packaging

Klosterman Baking Company; Hebron Estates (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Klosterman Baking Company is seeking an Ingredients and Packaging Buyer to lead day-to-day procurement of raw materials and packaging. You will source, negotiate, and procure ingredients and packaging to support production, ensuring materials meet specifications and cost standards in line with company goals.

You will manage supplier performance, collaborate with production and quality teams, and maintain ERP data.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of procurement experience in the food industry.
• Proven experience negotiating and managing vendor contracts.
• Experience in buying packaging materials and raw ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and purchasing of direct ingredients and packaging.
• Place POs with suppliers and manage through ERP.
• Evaluate supplier performance and ensure quality compliance.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to achieve best value.
• Forecast material needs with cross-functional teams and support production schedules.
• Maintain procurement data and documentation in ERP systems.
• Coordinate contingency plans for supply disruptions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

The Ingredients and Packaging Buyer is responsible for leading the day-to-day procurement activities for raw materials and packaging. This role assists in sourcing, negotiating and procuring both raw food ingredients and packaging materials to support production. This role ensures that all materials meet specifications and cost standards while aligning with the company supply chain and financial goals.

Essential Functions

• Manage sourcing and purchasing direct ingredients and packaging products through PO placements directly with suppliers through Business Central system.
• Evaluate supplier performance and ensure compliance with quality and service expectations.
• Assist in negotiating terms, pricing, and contracts with vendors to achieve best value.
• Work with cross-functional teams to forecast material needs and support production schedules.
• Maintain accurate procurement data and documentation in ERP systems.
• Resolve supply issues and coordinate contingency plans when disruptions occur.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and identify new sourcing opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Attention to detail and organization
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Initiative and problem-solving
• Integrity and accountability

Job Specific Competencies

• Knowledge of procurement best practices and supplier management
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Understanding of food safety and quality standards
• Analytical skills to assess costs, trends, and performance metrics
• Office-based with regular interaction with production, quality, and warehouse teams
• Occasional visits to manufacturing sites and vendor locations

Physical Demands

• Standard office activities, including sitting, typing, and occasional travel to plant and supplier locations
• Occasional lifting of materials or samples up to 25 pounds

Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time position, typical business hours
• Occasional evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or address urgent supply chain issues

Travel

• Occasional travel is required to vendors, plant locations, and industry events

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of procurement experience in the food industry
• Proven experience negotiating and managing vendor contracts

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in food manufacturing or a regulated production environment
• Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement processes
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Experience in buying packaging

Klosterman Baking Company is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.