Strategic Food Purchasing Leader

OPTIMAL - Human Reinforced; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Strategic role in sourcing

Dynamic, collaborative environment

Professional development

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Optimal - Human Reinforced, on behalf of its client in food manufacturing and retail, seeks a Senior Buyer to lead strategic procurement and drive value across raw materials and finished goods.

The successful candidate will build supplier networks, negotiate terms, forecast demand, manage COGS, and collaborate with Product Development, Production, and Retail to optimize quality, cost, and innovation while supporting growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior buyer/procurement roles in food manufacturing or retail.
• Strong knowledge of COGS, gross margin analysis and commercial finance.
• Experience in demand forecasting, inventory planning and procurement strategy.
• Network of suppliers in the food industry is highly desirable.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement of raw materials for production and third-party products for the retail network.
• Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers locally and internationally.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to optimize outcomes.
• Identify new products, suppliers, producers, and sourcing opportunities to enhance the portfolio.
• Monitor market trends, price fluctuations, and supplier performance to inform decisions.
• Analyze and optimize COGS and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Production, and Retail teams on supplier selections.
• Support pricing strategy by contributing to margin analysis and commercial decisions.
• Develop demand forecasts and purchasing plans to ensure availability while minimizing waste.
• Ensure suppliers meet quality, reliability, and service standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decisions

Excel

ERP systems

Analytical mindset

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Optimal - Human Reinforced, on behalf of its client in food manufacturing and retail, seeks a Senior Buyer to lead strategic procurement and drive value across raw materials and finished goods.

The successful candidate will build supplier networks, negotiate terms, forecast demand, manage COGS, and collaborate with Product Development, Production, and Retail to optimize quality, cost, and innovation while supporting growth.