Strategic Purchasing & Import Lead

Chesapeake Search Partners; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Search Partners is partnering with a growing manufacturer and distributor of specialty food ingredients in their search for a Senior Purchasing & Import Analyst. This role will manage supplier relationships, purchase raw materials and imported goods, and optimize inventory to support production operations.

The ideal candidate will bring procurement, planning, and supply chain expertise within a manufacturing environment and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, procurement, or materials planning.
• Understanding of ERP/MRP processes.
• Strong analytical skills with Excel.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships.
• Experience with imported products or international suppliers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and imported products to support production and customer demand.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, ensuring consistent quality, service, and delivery performance.
• Monitor inventory levels and demand forecasts to ensure appropriate stock levels while minimizing excess inventory and obsolescence.
• Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, inventory metrics, and demand patterns to support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Production, Quality, and Finance teams to align purchasing strategies with business objectives.
• Coordinate import activities and monitor inbound shipments to ensure timely product availability.
• Create and manage purchase orders, supplier communications, and related procurement documentation.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.
• Support supplier negotiations, sourcing initiatives, and vendor evaluations.
• Assist in mitigating supply chain risks through proactive planning, supplier diversification, and inventory management strategies.
• Utilize ERP systems and Microsoft Excel to maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier records.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier relationships

Inventory management

Forecasting

Excel proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Import & international sourcing

ERP/MRP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Chesapeake Search Partners is partnering with a growing manufacturer and distributor of specialty food ingredients in their search for a Senior Purchasing & Import Analyst. This role will manage supplier relationships, purchase raw materials and imported goods, and optimize inventory to support production operations.

The ideal candidate will bring procurement, planning, and supply chain expertise within a manufacturing environment and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative organization.