Senior Buyer

About the Role:
The Senior Buyer, also known as a Senior Procurement Specialist or Strategic Sourcing Specialist, is responsible for leading purchasing operations across multiple manufacturing and fulfillment facilities. This role oversees sourcing of raw materials, nutraceutical ingredients, food-grade materials, packaging, and production supplies while ensuring cost efficiency, supply continuity, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining cGMP standards, supplier qualification programs, and inventory optimization within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end to end purchasing activities for raw materials, packaging components, and production supplies across multiple manufacturing and fulfillment sites.

• Source nutraceutical and food-grade ingredients that meet cGMP, regulatory, and quality standards.

• Evaluate, qualify, and onboard suppliers in accordance with supplier qualification and audit requirements.

• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and payment terms to optimize cost savings and working capital.

• Monitor inventory levels, demand forecasts, and material requirements planning to prevent shortages and excess inventory.

• Ensure supplier documentation is complete and compliant, including Certificates of Analysis, specifications, audit reports, and regulatory documentation.

• Partner with Quality Assurance and Operations teams to maintain compliance with cGMP and food safety standards.

• Manage vendor performance metrics, track supplier scorecards, and resolve supply chain disruptions.

• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or compliance.

• Support new product launches through timely sourcing, supplier coordination, and purchase planning.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, contracts, and ERP or MRP system data integrity.

• Travel between facilities as needed to support procurement and operational requirements.

Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience sourcing nutraceutical ingredients strongly preferred, with food manufacturing procurement experience highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of cGMP requirements, supplier qualification processes, and regulatory compliance standards.

• Proven track record of negotiation, cost control, and supplier contract management.

• Experience managing procurement operations across multiple facilities or a distributed manufacturing network.

• Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems for purchasing, inventory control, and materials planning.

• Strong analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret purchasing data and KPIs.

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented manufacturing organization.

• High level of accountability, dependability, and responsiveness to operational needs.

Desired Qualifications:

• APICS certification such as CPIM or CSCP.

• Experience with supplier audits, quality systems, and food safety standards.

• Background in continuous improvement, cost optimization, or lean supply chain initiatives.

• Experience supporting regulatory audits or working within highly regulated manufacturing environments.