Purchasing Agent

Group W Inc. / The Walco Organization; Streetsboro (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Group W Inc. / The Walco Organization is seeking a Purchasing Agent for foodservice packaging. This role focuses on sourcing, negotiating, and procuring packaging products to keep customers stocked and operations efficient.

You will manage supplier relationships, evaluate new products, and monitor market conditions to optimize cost, quality, and lead times. Collaboration with sales, warehouse, and customer service teams is essential for accurate forecasting and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Experience with inventory management, demand planning, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Proficiency with ERP/purchasing systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of foodservice packaging products and supply chains is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly across departments.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and purchase foodservice packaging products from domestic and international suppliers.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while balancing cost, quality, lead times, and service levels.
• Evaluate new suppliers and products; conduct competitive bidding and cost analysis.
• Monitor market trends, raw material pricing, and supply chain disruptions.
• Collaborate with sales, warehouse, and customer service teams to forecast demand and resolve supply issues.
• Manage purchase orders, track shipments, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, volume discounts, and contracts to protect margins.
• Maintain accurate product data, pricing files, and supplier records.
• Ensure purchased products meet food-contact safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Supplier management

Inventory management

Demand planning

Cost reduction

Organizational skills

Communication

Tools

ERP software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

** Purchasing Agent – Foodservice Packaging**
** Wholesale Distribution Company**

We are a growing wholesale distributor specializing in foodservice packaging solutions—cups, containers, lids, bags, cutlery, wraps, and related disposables—serving restaurants, caterers, institutional kitchens, and distributors. We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to manage the sourcing and procurement of packaging products that keep our customers stocked and our operations running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and purchase foodservice packaging products from domestic and international suppliers
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while balancing cost, quality, lead times, and service levels
• Evaluate new suppliers and products; conduct competitive bidding and cost analysis
• Monitor market trends, raw material pricing, and supply chain disruptions that impact packaging availability and cost
• Collaborate with sales, warehouse, and customer service teams to forecast demand and resolve supply issues
• Manage purchase orders, track shipments, and ensure on-time delivery
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, volume discounts, and contracts to protect margins
• Maintain accurate product data, pricing files, and supplier records
• Ensure purchased products meet food-contact safety, quality, and regulatory standards

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier-management skills
• Experience with inventory management, demand planning, and cost-reduction initiatives
• Proficiency with ERP/purchasing systems and Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of foodservice packaging products, materials (paper, plastic, compostable/sustainable options), and supply chains is a plus
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly across departments

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on pricing, availability, and customer satisfaction in a dynamic wholesale environment

If you are a proactive purchasing professional who understands the fast-paced world of foodservice packaging and thrives on securing the right product at the right price, we want to hear from you.