Purchasing/Procurement Specialist

At Lakeside, we're committed to growing our company – and our people. When you join the Lakeside team, you’ll become part of our family. Since 1887 we’ve produced a diverse line of canned and frozen foods. We sell our products through major retailers, food service distributors and national restaurant chains. We’re driven to find new, innovative ways to serve our customers and our community. And there’s a seat at the table for you.

Position Summary:

Act as an agent for the company to procure materials, components, services and supplies at the most favorable cost and terms consistent with standards of quality. Develop and maintain a supplier base that supports company objectives regarding quality, cost and production requirements, in accordance with company policies and procedures.

What you’ll do:

• Provide tactical support in the purchasing and distributing of materials, components, services and supplies for all Lakeside manufacturing facilities.
• Obtain and analyze bids in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Purchase in accordance with production/finished product requirements and maintain sufficient inventory of materials from outside vendors to insure all requirements are met.
• Originate purchase orders, stock transport orders, or material releases as needed based on current or forecasted material inventory levels.
• Expedite outstanding purchase orders in accordance with production requirements. Follow up orders utilizing all necessary methods of communication.
• Communicate any changes in expected delivery date, quantity, or location to production, traffic, and/or receiving in a timely manner.
• Assure that materials are delivered on schedule, at the correct price, and that they meet the established quality standards.
• Review acknowledgements for agreement with purchase orders and resolve any discrepancies with the supplier to the best possible advantage.
• With the cooperation of QA and Operations, follow up with suppliers in addressing quality issues and implementing corrective action through the Quality Management system.
• Assist/arrange for disposal of surplus materials.
• Responsible to help other department personnel determine the most suitable product or service to meet their needs considering the objectives of Lakeside.
• Work with suppliers to improve their processes and/or develop new processes that will improve material quality, production characteristics, efficiencies and/or overall cost.
• Promote and maintain good business relationships with vendors, manufacturers, etc.
• Assist in evaluating and measuring suppliers against defined expectations.
• Participate on teams or sub-teams. Work effectively in cross-functional teams towards a common goal.
• Responsible to know or quickly learn about all the products and services with which Lakeside will transact business.
• Responsible to know about the industry, including who the major suppliers are, the economic status of those suppliers and the industry, and current and expected developments within the industry.
• Keep the Senior Procurement Manager informed of activities or problems and submit reports as requested by management.
• Other duties/projects as assigned.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four year college or university, emphasis in Supply Chain, Food Science or Operations and five years related experience, or four years of high school and six to eight years of progressively responsible related experience; or a combination of education and experience.
• Five years experience in the food industry preferred
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, Microsoft Office, methods of data analysis.

Work Environment:

• 
  Normal office environment where there is no physical discomfort or exposure to hazards due to temperature, dust, noise and the like. Some travel may be required.

Teamwork at Lakeside (TAL):

All employees of Lakeside Foods are committed to continuous improvement and serving our Lakeside customers. As part of our team, you’ll work individually and with your department to live Lakeside’s Standards of Conduct. You’ll clearly and visibly demonstrate teamwork, cooperation and respect for others in all business interactions. We promise our employees a culture that values mutual respect and different points of view and leaders who develop and execute clear, aligned action plans. We enjoy being creative, productive and working together.

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Lakeside Foods welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status.

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