Strategic Protein Buyer

Martin Foods; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Martin Foods, LP is seeking an entrepreneurial Strategic Protein Buyer to lead procurement of Chicken, Beef, and Pork, driving supplier partnerships and sourcing strategy across multiple materials.

The role reports to the Director of Supply Chain and focuses on optimization, market intelligence, and cross-functional collaboration to support growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in buying, merchandising, commodity trading, or supply chain.
• Strong supplier negotiation and analytical skills.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and sound business judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of Chicken, Beef, and Pork raw materials.
• Develop purchasing strategies and support budgeting.
• Negotiate contracts and spot purchases.
• Evaluate and understand raw material quality to drive success in Production.
• Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities.
• Partner with Sales, Production, Scheduling, and Quality.
• Improve procurement processes, systems, and reporting.
• Provide leadership of Procurement Team, with opportunity to directly manage others immediately or grow into a people management role.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Experience in buying/merchandising/commodity trading or supply chain

Job description

About Martin Foods, LP

Martin Foods, LP is seeking an entrepreneurial, analytical, and highly motivated Strategic Protein Buyer to lead procurement activities across Chicken, Beef, and Pork categories. This high-impact role supports operational excellence, supplier partnerships, and company growth.

Description

About Martin Foods, LP

Martin Foods, LP is seeking an entrepreneurial, analytical, and highly motivated Strategic Protein Buyer to lead procurement activities across Chicken, Beef, and Pork categories. This high-impact role supports operational excellence, supplier partnerships, and company growth.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain and aligned with the broader Supply Chain leadership structure, the Strategic Protein Buyer is responsible for protein sourcing, supplier management, market intelligence, commercial negotiations, and procurement strategy.

Who Thrives in This Role?

• Enjoys analyzing markets and making commercial decisions.
• Builds strong supplier relationships.
• Combines analytical thinking with sound business judgment.
• Thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Takes ownership and drives continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of Chicken, Beef, and Pork raw materials.
• Develop purchasing strategies and support budgeting.
• Negotiate contracts and spot purchases.
• Evaluate and understand raw material quality to drive success in Production
• Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities.
• Partner with Sales, Production, Scheduling, and Quality.
• Improve procurement processes, systems, and reporting.
• Provide leadership of Procurement Team, with opportunity to directly manage others immediately or grow into a people management role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in buying, merchandising, commodity trading, or supply chain.
• Strong supplier negotiation and analytical skills.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and sound business judgment.

Why Join Martin Foods, LP?

At Martin Foods, LP, you'll do more than purchase products. You'll help drive decisions that directly impact margins, customer relationships, operational performance, and company growth.

Make a Meaningful Impact

• Play a key role in sourcing the proteins that power our business.
• Influence purchasing decisions that directly affect profitability and customer success.
• Participate in strategic discussions that shape the future of the company.

Gain Exposure to the Entire Business

• Work closely with Supply Chain, Production, Sales, Quality, and Executive Leadership.
• See firsthand how procurement decisions impact operations, customer relationships, and financial performance.
• Develop a deep understanding of food manufacturing and protein markets.

Grow Your Commercial And Leadership Skills

• Strengthen your negotiation, supplier management, and market analysis capabilities.
• Build expertise in commodity markets and strategic sourcing.
• Gain experience solving real-world business challenges in a dynamic environment.

Entrepreneurial Environment

• Work in a company where ideas are welcomed and initiative is rewarded.
• Enjoy a high level of ownership and accountability.
• Help build processes, systems, and supplier partnerships that support future growth.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a role where your work matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions directly influence business results, Martin Foods, LP offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your career while helping build a growing manufacturing organization.