Inventory & Purchasing Clerk

Cayuga Milk Ingredients; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is seeking an Inventory & Purchasing Clerk to manage inventory counts and support procurement operations. The candidate will ensure compliance with operational standards and maintain records within their management system. Ideal applicants will possess strong communication skills, relevant experience, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, chemical processing, or similar industries preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety standards in the dairy/food industry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Manage physical inventory counts and maintain inventory records.
• Support procurement operations by ordering and purchasing parts.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols.

Skills

Communication

Inventory Management

Regulatory Compliance

Procurement Operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Visio

Job description

Description

Position Overview:

The Inventory & Purchasing Clerk is responsible for managing physical inventory counts, assisting with the receipt and stocking of new parts, and maintaining inventory records within the Preventative Maintenance Management Information System at Cayuga Milk Ingredients (CMI). This role also supports procurement operations by ordering and purchasing production parts, resolving purchase order and delivery issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the Inventory & Purchasing Clerk will provide administrative assistance to key personnel, including the Procurement Supervisor, Plant Engineer, and Maintenance Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory records and manage inventory levels of production and maintenance parts, stockroom supplies, and janitorial materials.
• Utilize and update the Preventative Maintenance Management Information System (currently Asset Essentials).
• Coordinate with vendors to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and develop procurement programs.
• Organize and label equipment, storage areas, and inventory according to 5S standards.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, inventory control sheets, and packing lists accurately.
• Receive and physically count incoming parts and supplies.
• Manage procurement operations for the plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), including resolving purchase order and delivery discrepancies.
• Support the development and management of a Vendor Scorecard Program to optimize supplier performance.
• Establish and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the procurement department, ensuring annual targets are met.
• Participate in relevant training sessions, webinars, and seminars to stay updated on procurement software and industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with all New York State Agriculture and Markets, FDA, USDA, OSHA, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) policies.
• Adhere to chemical handling procedures and safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
• Assist with facility-wide quality, sanitation, warehouse, and maintenance needs as required.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or associate degree preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing, chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or a similar industry preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, regulatory compliance, and food safety standards, particularly in the dairy/food industry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility to work 8-hour shifts, overtime, or other schedules based on business needs.
• Experience operating standard manufacturing equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks is a plus.
• Familiarity with GMP, FDA, SQF, and other regulatory standards is beneficial.

Physical Requirements:
· Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.· Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to safely perform job duties.· Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.· Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.· Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodations.· Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately.· Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.

Work Schedule:
Typically, Monday-Friday between 730am-4pm. The start and stop time can flex at the discretion of the supervisor as long as the needs of the business are met.

Compensation:
At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements.