Purchasing Specialist

St. Mary's Food Bank; Phoenix (AZ); Presencial; USD 65.000 - 90.000; Tempo integral

Benefícios oferecidos por esta vaga

Tuition Assistance

401(k) Employer Match

Medical and Insurance Coverage

PTO 15 days

Personal/Sick time

Resumo da vaga

St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix seeks a Purchasing Specialist to forecast, source, and purchase food products for programs and partner agencies.

You will manage programmatic purchasing, Agency Marketplace sourcing, supplier relationships, and inventory across multiple facilities to ensure cost-effective procurement and timely product availability. Collaborate with Programs, Warehouse, and Logistics; maintain records, monitor inventory levels, and support grants and Feeding America initiatives.

Qualificações

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business, supply chain, or related field.
• Minimum five years of food industry experience, with purchasing exposure.
• Experience in food sourcing, supplier management, inventory control, and forecasting preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Excel; ERP or inventory management systems preferred.
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, and prioritization abilities.

Responsabilidades

• Forecast and coordinate food purchases for programs and agency needs.
• Analyze usage, inventory levels, and purchasing trends to plan demand.
• Source products, solicit bids, evaluate offers, and negotiate terms.
• Manage purchasing within budgets, policies, and approvals.
• Maintain supplier relationships and process purchase orders.
• Monitor inventory across facilities and coordinate inter-facility transfers.
• Ensure compliance with policies, food safety standards, and recalls.

Conhecimentos

Forecasting

Sourcing

Negotiation

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Communication

Formação

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Ferramentas

Excel

ERP systems

MS Office

Descrição da vaga

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for forecasting, sourcing, and purchasing food products to support St. Mary’s Food Bank programs and partner agencies. This position manages programmatic purchasing, Agency Marketplace product sourcing, supplier relationships, and purchased food inventory across multiple facilities. Working collaboratively with internal departments and external suppliers, the Purchasing Specialist ensures cost-effective procurement, appropriate inventory levels, and timely product availability to meet organizational needs.

Essential Functions

• Forecast and coordinate food purchases for Kids Cafe, Backpack, School Pantry, Agency Marketplace, and other organizational programs.
• Analyze historical usage, inventory levels, program requirements, and purchasing trends to anticipate demand and replenishment needs.
• Source products, solicit competitive bids, evaluate supplier offerings, and negotiate favorable pricing and purchasing terms.
• Manage purchasing activities within established budgets, policies, and approval requirements.

Inventory and Product Management

• Monitor purchased food inventory across facilities, including the Volunteer Center and Main Warehouse, to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Evaluate inventory availability and coordinate inter-facility transfers before initiating additional purchases.
• Monitor product movement, shelf life, and inventory turnover to minimize shortages, excess inventory, and product loss.
• Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams to ensure timely product availability for program distributions and agency purchasing.
• Identify sourcing opportunities and expand Agency Marketplace product offerings based on partner agency needs.

Supplier and Purchasing Administration

• Establish and maintain supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, product quality, and reliable delivery.
• Prepare and process purchase orders, track shipments, and resolve purchasing or supplier discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, inventory data, and related reports.
• Support purchasing for grants, special initiatives, and Feeding America programs, including CHOICE purchases.

Collaboration and Compliance

• Partner with Programs, Food Resourcing, Warehouse, Logistics, and Transportation teams to coordinate purchasing and inventory needs.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies, food safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support product traceability, recall procedures, and continuous improvement of purchasing processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all internal/external customers of St. Mary’s Food Bank with an excellent service experience.

Scope and Complexity

May interact with all levels of leadership, employees, agency representatives, community neighbors, volunteers, external vendors, and clients.

Physical Demands/Environment Factors

• Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.
• May be required to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Requires significant use of personal computer, phone and general office equipment.
• Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects.
• Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
• May require off-site travel; possible out-of-state travel

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field preferred; equivalent education and experience considered.
• Minimum five years of food industry experience, with two years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain preferred.
• Experience in food sourcing, supplier management, inventory control, and demand forecasting preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; ERP or inventory management system experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities independently.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Commitment to the mission and values of St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Skills And Abilities

• Be a Team Player with a positive, friendly attitude.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
• Moderate Ability to use Microsoft Products (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, etc.)
• Can work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to think creatively and come up with solutions.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently to establish and manage work priorities, activities and timelines to achieve results
• Exhibit strong attention to detail
• Strong work ethic, ability to learn quickly and adapt to change

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous food distribution and non-profit work experience

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation Package:
  • Competitive Pay, including:
    • Tuition Assistance
    • Employee Referral Bonus Program
    • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous employer match
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Medical and Insurance Coverage
    • An employee-only medical plan at no cost to you
    • 4 low-cost employee-only, spouse and/or family member medical plans
    • Vision and Dental coverage
    • Health Savings Account generously funded by the employer and Flexible Spending Account options
    • Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death & Accident Insurance at no cost to you.
    • Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
    • Optional Pet Insurance and Legal Shield Identity Theft offering
  • Time Off
    • 15 PTO days, accrued bi-weekly, that increases with length of service
    • 40 hours of Personal/Sick time
    • 8 Company Paid Holidays

St. Mary’s Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected status under all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

This is your chance to join a cohesive and welcoming team and make a difference in our Arizona communities. Join our Mission to alleviate hunger.