PLANT PURCHASING SPECIALIST bei NOW Foods

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates the requisition, purchase and shipping of production, R&D, MQ, inventory control and safety supplies with approved suppliers.
• Maintains stock levels of supplies and equipment throughout the plant based on usage and lead times.
• Develops and implements efficient inventory management procedures. Reports any stock issues to management and places product orders as necessary.
• Prepares a list of depleted products and a survey of unusable products.
• Obtains quotes for capital expenditures as determined by management.
• Leads in researching new vendors and negotiates better pricing for supplies.
• Collaborates with site departments to source and roll out new equipment/tools/supplies for improvements.
• Identifies opportunities for cost savings with suppliers and/or materials through negotiation, consolidation, bids, etc.
• Identifies opportunities for reducing costs.
• Evaluates order documentation (e.g. requisitions, change orders, quotes, etc.) for supplies, equipment and/or services to ensure it is charged to correct cost centers.
• Maintains metrics of shipping charges, on-time deliveries and usage/annual turns for the purposes of determining ways of cost avoidance and cost savings.
• Maintains purchasing information, files and records (e.g. Request for proposals, purchase orders, etc.) to ensure the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Coordinates lab coat services, including reconciling invoices against garment pick-up lists and communicating changes in volumes.
• Coordinates gas cylinder services, including monitoring usage, services and invoicing.
• Coordinates the pick-up of chemical waste with outside vendors.
• Acts as liaison with the Accounting department to reconcile invoices and creates requisitions for the creation of purchase orders.
• Works with suppliers to resolve non-compliant materials or issues with on-time delivery. Handles return of all damaged goods to vendors. 
• Trains all new users on the processes of requisitions and punch-outs within the Oracle i-Procurement module.
• Assists with special projects as assigned.
• Facilitates supply standardization between manufacturing facilities.
• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

SAFETY RESPONSIBIITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures.  Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately.  Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree; or three years related experience in purchasing; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Two years (MRO) Maintenance, Repairs and Operations purchasing experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint). Experience with Oracle a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret quotes, purchase orders and invoices. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to communicate effectively and work with peers, management and external contacts in a transparent and professional manner.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

• Ability to organize workload and multi-task in a fast-paced environment to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and outside vendors with strong negotiation skills to reach best possible pricing and sales terms for company.
• Strong attention to detail skills. 
• Intermediate experience with Oracle or other ERP software.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Collaborates effectively with others; exhibits strong teamwork skills; and actively listens and communicates effectively with others.
• Demonstrates integrity and models NOW’s core values.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work extended hours, including weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk throughout the facility, use stairs and step stools, lift/push/pull 25 lbs., work at a desk, write, enter information into a computer, and to communicate in person, via email and telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of the job on the Production floor, employee: Works around ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, etc. and chemicals such as alcohol, that may require respiratory protection.  
• Works near moving mechanical parts.
• Regularly exposed to vapors, airborne particles and/or herbal aromas, some classified as allergens or irritants.
• Works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes, (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging. Frequently exposed to all of the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), Wheat and Soybeans, except for peanuts.
• As required, works in a loud area that requires hearing protection and other protective equipment to be worn.

• 2025 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE