Purchasing Coordinator

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is seeking a Purchasing Coordinator to keep our supply chain flowing—between suppliers, production floors, and quality teams. You’ll ensure right materials arrive on time and optimize inventory while controlling costs.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years in purchasing, strong ERP/MRP and Excel skills, and a penchant for organization and supplier negotiation. This role splits time between office and production areas and requires ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and MS Excel; strong Outlook skills.
• Highly organized with ability to prioritize in a fast-moving plant environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Clear communicator with suppliers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials, packaging, labels, and operating supplies based on production schedules and inventory needs.
• Maintain inventory levels to balance shortages and cash/space constraints.
• Create and manage purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Serve as the primary contact for supplier pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate deliveries with warehouse/receiving teams.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure materials meet food safety and quality standards (COAs, specs, allergen docs).
• Track supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, service) and resolve issues like shortages or damaged goods.
• Assist with new product launches by sourcing materials and coordinating supplier timelines.
• Maintain supplier records and support physical inventory/cycle counts; identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support compliance with food manufacturing regulations and supplier approval processes.

Skills

Purchasing experience

ERP/MRP system

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation with suppliers

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Supply Chain/related

Tools

ERP/MRP software

Microsoft Excel

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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