Procurement Specialist

Job Title: Procurement SpecialistLocationBattle Creek, MI (hybrid)DepartmentSupply ChainReports ToSupply Chain ManagerPosition Summary The Procurement Specialist is responsible for demand planning, procurement, inventory oversight, and communications with suppliers for a food manufacturing operation operating under FSMA and GFSI-recognized food safety standards. This role ensures continuity of supply to support production and customer fulfillment while maintaining high standards for customer service, food safety, quality, traceability, and supplier approval requirements. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and highly responsive in a fast-changing environment.Key Responsibilities Demand Planning & Inventory ManagementPerform customer-level demand planning to support production schedules, service-level targets, and material availability.Work with customers to ensure inventory is on hand to support production schedules, as needed.Manage demand planning for frequent internal transfers from 3PL facilities, ensuring inventory integrity, lot control, and traceability.Lead the weekly Inventory Review meeting, reviewing inventory status, risks, shortages, status of items on hold, and corrective actions.Conduct and analyze material inventories in collaboration with the Warehouse Manager to ensure accuracy, FIFO compliance, shelf-life control, and lot traceability.Proactively identify and mitigate material supply risks that could impact food safety, quality, or customer commitments. Purchasing & Order ManagementIssue, manage, and track purchase orders for: Direct food ingredients and packaging materialsMaintenance (MRO) suppliesQuality and food safety–related materials and services·        Expedite purchase orders as necessary to prevent production or customer service disruptions while ensuring only approved suppliers and materials are used.·        Ensure purchasing activities align with approved specifications, supplier approvals, and SQF documentation requirements.·        Set up and maintain supplier, item, and purchasing records in the ERP system to ensure consistency with approved specifications and quality programs.Supplier Approval, Verification & Performance·        Manage the supplier and material approval processes in alignment with the documented procedure.·        Maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and ensure only approved suppliers and materials are used in production.·        Work with suppliers to: o   Correct ordering, delivery, or documentation errorso   Improve supplier performance, reliability, and responsivenesso   Ensure Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are received, complete, and available prior to material release, in coordination with Quality·        Report COA status and inbound material status to the management team daily to support release decisions and production planning.·        Support supplier risk management by identifying supply vulnerabilities and participating in sourcing or contingency planning.·        Support traceability, recall readiness, and audit preparedness through accurate documentation and timely communication.·        Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure materials meet approved specifications and food safety requirements prior to use.Cross-Functional Collaboration·        Participate in SQF audits, internal audits, and management review activities as needed.·        Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, Warehouse, Finance, and Customer Service to resolve material, inventory, and supply issues.·        Provide responsive, customer-focused support to internal departments while maintaining compliance and control.·        Serve as a key liaison between internal teams and external suppliers.Required Skills & CompetenciesAt least 5 years of experience in demand planning, supplier approvals, and supplier management.Strong customer service orientation with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-changing environment.Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, including supplier and audit-related communication.High proficiency in Excel for inventory analysis, reporting, and root-cause investigation.Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage documentation, approvals, and compliance requirements.Work EnvironmentFood manufacturing and warehouse environment.Regular interaction with Warehouse, Quality, Operations, and Finance teams.Participation in SQF audits, surveillance audits, and recertification activities as required.Compensation$80,000 Salary/Yr + 10% Bonus