Strategic Purchases & Inventory Specialist

Dairy Challenge; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Challenge is seeking a procurement professional to coordinate purchasing, manage vendor relations, and optimize inventory levels. The role requires strong negotiation, analytical skills, and familiarity with Excel and SAP.

You will work closely with sales, operations, and planning teams to maintain optimal stock and ensure timely deliveries while controlling costs and improving procurement KPIs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years purchasing/expediting work experience.
• 3–5 years in a manufacturing environment with procurement knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of Excel; SAP knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate purchasing activities, review requisitions, and place orders.
• Expedite orders and determine procurement methods to meet schedule changes.
• Resolve invoice issues, shipping errors, and late deliveries with stakeholders.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and monitor procurement KPIs.
• Negotiate prices within budget and create bidding scenarios.
• Develop storage and inventory plans to optimize freight costs.
• Maintain procurement records including costs, delivery, and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams to address defective goods and corrective actions.
• Continuously monitor market trends to reduce prices and costs.
• Interview vendors to assess price, quality, and performance.
• Maintain supplier sources and back-up options.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in procurement strategies.

Skills

Procurement

Supply chain

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical skills

MS Excel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Dairy Challenge is seeking a procurement professional to coordinate purchasing, manage vendor relations, and optimize inventory levels. The role requires strong negotiation, analytical skills, and familiarity with Excel and SAP.

You will work closely with sales, operations, and planning teams to maintain optimal stock and ensure timely deliveries while controlling costs and improving procurement KPIs.