Purchasing Coordinator

Talentify; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Talentify is seeking a Purchasing Coordinator to ensure materials availability for production and quality control. You will manage PO creation, coordinate supplier deliveries, and liaise with production and QA to meet food safety standards.

The role combines office work with floor presence, requiring strong organization, problem-solving, and supplier negotiation to keep operations running smoothly.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and strong Excel/Outlook skills.
• Able to stay organized in a fast-moving plant environment.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials, packaging, labels, and operating supplies based on production schedules and inventory needs.
• Maintain inventory levels to avoid shortages and minimize excess stock.
• Create and manage purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Coordinate supplier delivery schedules and status updates with the warehouse.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure food safety and compliance with COAs and specs.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

ERP/MRP system

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Great pizza starts with great ingredients — and great ingredients start with a Purchasing Coordinator who keeps the supply chain running smoothly. You'll be the glue between our suppliers, production floor, and quality team, making sure the right materials show up in the right place at the right time. If you love solving problems, building supplier relationships, and keeping a fast-paced plant stocked and running, this is your seat.

What You'll Do

• Purchase raw materials, ingredients, packaging, labels, and operating supplies based on production schedules and inventory needs.
• Keep inventory levels dialed in — enough to avoid shortages, not so much that it ties up cash or space.
• Create and manage purchase orders in our ERP/purchasing system.
• Be the go-to contact for suppliers on pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate incoming deliveries with the warehouse and receiving team.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to confirm materials meet food safety and quality standards — including COAs, specs, and allergen documentation.
• Track supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, service) and resolve issues like shortages, damaged goods, or incorrect shipments.
• Support new product launches by sourcing materials and coordinating supplier timelines.
• Maintain accurate pricing and supplier records, and pitch in on physical inventory/cycle counts as needed.
• Spot and act on cost-saving opportunities — without ever compromising quality or service.

Food Safety & Quality

• Buy only from approved suppliers and keep supplier documentation current.
• Support compliance with HACCP, GMPs, SQF/BRC (where applicable), FDA, and USDA requirements.
• Take part in supplier approval and verification activities.
• Speak up immediately on any food safety or quality concern.

What You Bring

Required:

• 1–2 years of purchasing or procurement experience — food manufacturing background a plus.
• Comfort working in an ERP/MRP system, and solid Excel and Outlook skills.
• A knack for staying organized and prioritizing in a fast-moving plant environment.
• Sharp analytical and problem-solving instincts, with an eye for detail.
• Clear communicator who can negotiate confidently with suppliers.

Nice to Have:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, or related field (equivalent experience welcome in place of a degree).
• Familiarity with food manufacturing regulations and supplier approval processes.

The Day-to-Day Environment

• Split time between an office setting and the production/warehouse floor.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the day, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional exposure to refrigerated or freezer areas.
• Standard business hours, with occasional overtime tied to production demand.

How We'll Know You're Succeeding

• Production keeps running with minimal material-related interruptions.
• Inventory stays accurate, with healthy inventory turns.
• Suppliers deliver on time, and issues get resolved quickly.
• Costs stay in check without sacrificing quality or service.
• Purchasing records and documentation stay clean and audit ready.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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