Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist will be responsible for activities critical to Direct Materials purchasing and inventory management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage purchase order process from PO issuance through order confirmation to delivery of materials. Purchase Order details will be based on materials assessments completed by the Purchasing Manager.

• Monitor timeliness of material deliveries to ensure production demand is covered, following up with suppliers where needed.

• Coordinate needed adjustments in delivery timing with Production Planners.

• Investigate and resolve price variances from PO to invoice with Accounts Payable and applicable suppliers.

• Assist with new product launch acquisition of materials to ensure on time first ship.

• Monitor and analyze warehouse materials inventory to appropriate levels on hand to align with scheduled production while also ensuring expected inventory turns are being met.

• Assist Purchasing Manager with tracking market commodity data and reporting performance metrics.

• Ensure latest pricing entered into budgeting tool to provide forward purchase price variance visibility.

• Ensure Purchasing managed stock code Master Data is up to date and accurate within Heartland's centralized ERP system.

• Assist Purchasing Manager to prepare competitive bid event materials (RFP/ RFQ), administrate events, and analyze responses in a side-by-side comparison format.

• Foster and maintain productive and positive working relationships with suppliers.

• Lead new supplier documentation and system set up.

• Maintain supplier and price specific records and documentation.

• Ensure compliance with supply policies and procedures, including ethical and legal guidelines.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Economics, Engineering, Finance or Business

• Excellent organizational skills with special attention to details and accuracy.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software.

• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate positive outcomes across multiple departments.

• High sense of urgency and attention to detail.

• Desire to learn and grow professionally and personally within an exciting, fast paced environment.

• Desire to contribute to the ongoing success of a growing company.

• Experience with Food or Consumer products packaging specifications is preferred, but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and interact with computers, telephone, and other electronic media.

• Must be able to stand and interact with customers for multi-day Conference and Exhibits.

• Must possess visual acuity to document company records.

• Must be able to lift 20 pounds.