Buyer

DescriptionWho We Are & About This RoleSince 1946, Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill has been a cornerstone of Michigan agriculture and agritourism — an 80-year family operation with deep roots in Armada and a genuine growth ambition. We make world-class hard and sweet cider, operate tasting rooms and retail across four locations, and host thousands of guests a year.The Buyer owns how we source — the suppliers we partner with, the costs we control, and the materials that keep production running and shelves stocked. This is a strategic role for someone who negotiates hard, thinks in systems, and builds supplier relationships that last.If you've turned a vendor conversation into a long-term win, built a sourcing pipeline from scratch, and kept operations moving when supply got tight — we want to hear from you.Your Role With Blake's - Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & NegotiationLead supplier negotiations with clear expectations around cost, payment terms, and service levelsEstablish and manage supplier contracts that deliver competitive pricing and favorable termsBenchmark pricing and total cost against market conditions to keep Blake's aheadDeliver measurable cost savings across assigned categories — and be able to show your workSupplier Development & Risk ManagementIdentify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to improve cost, quality, and supply continuityRun RFI/RFQ processes and evaluate vendors on cost, capability, and reliability — not just priceBuild and maintain a backup supplier pipeline for critical materials so we're never caught flat-footedConduct supplier performance reviews and get ahead of quality or service issues before they hit the floorCategory & Inventory ManagementDevelop and manage category-level purchasing strategies across raw materials, packaging, retail, and bakery suppliesBalance cost, service level, and inventory investment to optimize total business performanceMonitor demand patterns and align purchasing plans with sales forecasts and seasonal needsManage inventory levels to improve turns and minimize stockouts or dead stockProcurement Execution & ERPCreate, track, and manage purchase orders within NetSuiteMaintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and vendor data in the ERP — clean data is non-negotiableEnsure timely ordering and delivery of materials to keep production and retail running on scheduleCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with production, retail, bakery, and sales teams to align purchasing with what the business actually needsSupport new product launches and seasonal planning through proactive, forward-leaning sourcingBe the consistent link between suppliers and internal stakeholders — proactive, not reactiveProcess Improvement & PerformanceIdentify and implement improvements in purchasing processes, inventory accuracy, and cost controlEstablish and track KPIs that measure outcomes — cost savings, fill rates, turns, supplier performanceDrive accountability for results, not just activityRequirementsWhat Great Looks Like - QualificationsBackgrounds that succeed here look different: supply chain, food and beverage, agriculture, retail operations, or general manufacturing. What matters is that you've delivered results and can prove it.Required2–5 years in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain — we care about what you've built, not just where you've workedDemonstrated success in supplier negotiations with real, measurable outcomesStrong commercial instincts — you think in total cost of ownership, not just unit priceExperience managing category strategy and supplier pipelinesComfortable working in an ERP system to manage POs, inventory, and vendor dataOrganized and self-directed; you manage competing priorities without dropping the ballPreferredFood or beverage manufacturing experience — cider, beer, wine, juice, or similarHands-on NetSuite experienceExperience with seasonal operations and variable demand planningBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field — or equivalent real-world experienceHow You're Rewarded - Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary, performance-based incentive, 401(k) with match, full health/dental/vision benefits, PTO, and all the perks of working at one of Michigan's most beloved farms. Full details shared during the interview process.What's Next - How to ApplyDon't just send a resume into a void. Reach out on LinkedIn, visit a location, try the cider — show us you want in. We can't wait to meet the right person.Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill is an equal opportunity employer.J-18808-Ljbffr