Junior Food Buyer

Jetro Restaurant Depot; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Restaurant Depot is seeking a Junior Buyer to join our procurement team. You will assist sourcing of food and non-food products, create purchase orders, and monitor deliveries to keep costs controlled and supply reliable.

This role offers a growth path to a full Buyer position within 12–18 months, with emphasis on Excel proficiency and vendor coordination. You will develop skills in pricing analysis, inventory management, and supplier communications while supporting cost control and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, hospitality, or related field.
• Desire to fast-track a career in procurement and supply management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist sourcing of food, beverages, packaging, and kitchen supplies.
• Create and process purchase orders accurately and timely.
• Monitor order status and ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation.
• Communicate with suppliers on pricing, availability, delivery.
• Assist in negotiating pricing and terms.
• Evaluate vendor performance and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor inventory levels and suggest replenishments.
• Track usage trends and seasonal demand.
• Assist cost analysis to support margins.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and food safety rules.
• Verify specs and address quality concerns with suppliers.
• Support adherence to purchasing policies.
• Prepare purchasing reports and price comparisons.
• Maintain product and supplier databases.
• Provide administrative support to procurement team.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Hospitality, or related field

Job description

Restaurant Depot is the nation's leading members‑only, wholesale cash-and-carry supplier serving independent restaurants, caterers, delis, convenience stores, and other food service businesses across 165+ locations in 35 states. Our stores offer bulk quantities of fresh meat, seafood, produce, dairy, a wide selection of frozen foods, grocery items, beverages, paper goods, cleaning supplies, restaurant equipment and more. Open seven days a week, we are committed to the success of small business owners who depend on us for consistent quality and volume pricing. As we continue to expand, we are looking for driven individuals who embody an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for supporting the success of small businesses.

SUMMARY

As a Junior Buyer, you will play a key role in our procurement team, sourcing and managing essential food and non-food supplies to keep our operations running smoothly. You'll gain hands‑on experience in vendor coordination, pricing analysis, and inventory management to ensure our supply chain stays cost‑effective and reliable. This role is designed for growth: we are looking for a motivated professional ready to master these fundamentals and promote into a full Buyer position within 12 to 18 months.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Hospitality, or related field preferred
• Desire to fast-track a career in procurement and supply management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Purchasing

• Assist in sourcing food products, beverages, packaging, and kitchen supplies from approved vendors
• Create and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner
• Monitor order status and ensure on‑time delivery
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Support in negotiating pricing and terms when appropriate.
• Assist in evaluating vendor performance and resolving discrepancies.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment quantities
• Track product usage trends and seasonal demand
• Assist in cost analysis to ensure competitive pricing and margin targets

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet company quality standards and food safety regulations
• Verify product specifications and resolve quality concerns with suppliers
• Support compliance with company purchasing policies

Reporting & Administrative Support

• Prepare purchasing reports and pricing comparisons
• Maintain product and supplier databases
• Provide general administrative support to the procurement team