Sr. Buyer

Vibrant Ingredients; Cranbury Township (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibrant Ingredients seeks a Sr. Buyer to manage procurement of raw materials, flavors, and packaging for Cranbury operations. You will ensure timely orders, maintain quality, and optimize costs while building strong supplier relationships.

The role requires 3–5 years in flavor or related procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ERP/MRP system experience. This on-site position supports enterprise sourcing initiatives and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 3-5 years of flavor/food & beverage procurement experience.
• Experience in manufacturing, agriculture sourcing or packaging is a plus.
• Strong tactical negotiations and vendor management.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Dynamics 365, SAP, Great Plains) preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Place and track purchase orders for raw materials, flavors, packaging, and other goods.
• Schedule deliveries in line with production demand requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, food science, and QA to ensure specs and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as primary supply chain liaison with local manufacturing site.
• Negotiate with suppliers for cost efficiency and timely delivery.
• Ensure FDA labeling compliance for flavors and ingredients.
• Monitor supplier performance with corporate metrics.
• Maintain procurement records and generate supplier performance reports.
• Use ERP/MRP systems to manage procurement activities and data integrity.
• Address supply disruptions and coordinate with Strategic Sourcing.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Multi-tasking

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

SAP

Great Plains

Job description

Sr. Buyer

Procurement Full Time Professional Cranbury, NJ, US

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

Position Title: BuyerLocation: Cranbury, NJ

Reporting To:Vice President, Strategic Sourcing

Position Summary:

The Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of raw materials, goods, and services in accordance with Flavor production demand requirements to support Vibrant operations. This role focuses on ensuring accurate order placement, timely delivery, maintaining quality standards, and optimizing costs while building strong relationships with suppliers. The Buyer will work closely with the enterprise Strategic Sourcing Procurement leadership and cross-functional teams to meet the company’s sourcing and supply chain objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Purchasing and Tactical Supplier Management

• Place and track purchase orders for raw materials, flavors, packaging, and other goods.
• Schedule goods delivery in accordance to production demand requirement needs
• Cross-functional collaboration, with R&D, food scientists, and quality assurance teams to ensure acquired compounds match product specifications and regulatory standards
• Primary supply chain liaison with local manufacturing site
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers
• Support Enterprise Strategic Sourcing Initiatives utilizing qualified strategic sources
• Actively negotiate tactical suppliers, price, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to ensure cost efficiency and service excellence.
• Ensure all sourced flavors and other ingredient materials comply with FDA, safety, and industry labeling regulations, and assigned supplier(s) submit timely paperwork
• Monitor supplier performance using corporate metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, and pricing consistency.

Inventory and Order Management

• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations teams to ensure inventory levels meet production needs while minimizing excess stock.
• Proactively address potential supply disruptions and resolve any issues affecting procurement timelines, working in coordination with enterprise Strategic Sourcing
• Support planning and forecasting by aligning purchase schedules with demand
• Ensure purchase order deliveries are issued in accordance to supplier commitment as well as issue regular change orders accordingly.

Compliance and Quality

• Ensure that all purchased goods comply with company quality standards and specifications as well as ensure all flavor materials comply with FDA, safety, and industry labeling regulations.
• Work closely with R&D and QA teams to qualify new materials and alternate suppliers.
• Oversee adherence to trade compliance and regulatory requirements, including import/export processes.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase orders, supplier contracts, and performance data.
• Generate required reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and local cost savings initiatives.
• Use ERP/MRP systems to manage procurement activities and ensure data integrity.
• Ensure tracking of all tariff(s); freight adders and/or other special administration fees

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes and reduce costs.
• Assist in developing and implementing procurement policies and best practices.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives to optimize supply chain efficiency.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience specifically in flavor(s) and/or other food & beverage ingredient procurement. Experience in manufacturing, agriculture sourcing, or packaging is a plus.
• Strong tactical negotiations and vendor management skills.
• Strong cross functional team player
• Ability to multi-task and manage high volume part numbers, low volume demand mix
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Great Plains) is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience Compliance with trade compliance and import/export logistics.
• Experience working closely with R&D and/or S&T
• Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift fifteen pounds

About Vibrant Ingredients

Vibrant Ingredients, formerly Florida Food Products (FFP), headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, is one of the world's leading independent providers of natural ingredients. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, we deliver a diverse portfolio of clean label ingredients and innovative system solutions to the food and beverage industry. Our commitment to quality and performance is reflected in our American-made products, which enhance both taste and functionality. Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in fermentation, patented cold brew extraction, custom flavor development, and a range of drying and blending technologies. Operating from four state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we ensure the accessibility of real, high-quality ingredients - helping our customers create better-for-you food and beverage for consumers. Learn more at www.vibrantingredients.com