Procurement Specialist in Harvey

American Kitchen Delights is seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to lead and manage all purchasing and sourcing activities for our food manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and services necessary to meet production, quality, and food safety requirements.Location: 15320 Cooper Avenue, Harvey IL 60426Department: Operations / Supply ChainEmployment Type: Full-TimeKey Responsibilities: Procurement & Strategic SourcingLead procurement and strategic sourcing activities to support manufacturing demand while optimizing cost, quality, service levels, and supplier reliability.Develop and execute optimal ordering schedules based on production forecasts, lead times, vendor payment terms, freight considerations, and inventory targets.Maintain accurate and up-to-date item pricing and acquisition cost data within the purchasing and inventory systems.Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers in collaboration with Quality Assurance and Product Development.Vendor & Supplier ManagementBuild and maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure consistent supply and service excellence.Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, and service agreements to achieve best-value purchasing outcomes.Resolve supplier-related issues including quality concerns, delivery delays, shortages, rejected materials, or non-conformance events.Monitor supplier performance metrics including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.Inventory & Demand PlanningReview, analyze, and manage inventory reports, sales projections, and production schedules to align purchasing with demand.Collaborate with inventory control, production planning, and accounting teams to establish and maintain inventory level targets throughout the year.Develop and improve purchasing and inventory scheduling processes using existing inventory management systems.Recommend inventory adjustments to prevent stockouts, overstocking, or expired materials.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Production Control, Scheduling, Logistics, and Accounting to ensure materials are ordered, received, and accurately accounted for.Communicate product availability, supply constraints, or risk items to Sales and Marketing teams on a regular basis.Support new product launches, reformulations, and product line extensions by ensuring timely material sourcing and supply chain readiness.Compliance, Food Safety & QualityEnsure all procurement activities comply with company policies, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements including GMP, HACCP, SSOP, and SQFMaintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and quality awareness in all procurement-related activities.Additional DutiesSupport continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement efficiency, cost savings, and supplier performance.Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs.Qualifications and Requirements: Education & ExperiencePrevious experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, preferably within food manufacturing or food service environments.Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing vendor relationships.Skills & CompetenciesStrong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization abilities.High attention to detail with a strong focus on quality and accuracy.Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with inventory systems.Solid mathematical and data analysis skills.Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, and documentation.Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.Ability to work a flexible schedule and overtime as needed to meet business demands.Physical & Work Environment RequirementsAbility to work in a food manufacturing environment where hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety are critical.Willingness to comply with all safety, sanitation, and PPE requirements.Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Closed-toed shoesHairnet (when applicable)Frock (when applicable)Gloves (when applicable)Beard net (when applicable)Why Join American Kitchen Delights?Be part of a family-owned growing food manufacturing company with a commitment to quality and innovation.Collaborative, team-oriented work environment.Opportunity to make a direct impact on operational efficiency and business growth.J-18808-Ljbffr