Junior Food Buyer

Jetro Restaurant Depot; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Restaurant Depot in New York seeks a Junior Buyer to join our procurement team, sourcing food and non-food supplies and coordinating with approved vendors. You’ll gain hands-on experience in purchasing, vendor coordination, and price analysis to keep our supply chain cost-effective and reliable.

This role offers a defined growth path: you will be mentored to master fundamentals and promote into a full Buyer position within 12 to 18 months, with exposure to inventory management, cost control, and

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

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

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Fast-paced environment

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

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