Buyer

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Buyer is responsible for identifying supply replenishment needs as specified by Material Requirements Planning (MRP). Key responsibilities include analyzing, preparing, and issuing purchase orders to suppliers while confirming order details and pricing for complex items such as Juices, Purees, and Flavors. These items typically have seasonality, long lead times, shipping INCOTERMS like DDP, CIF, Etc., that have a high level of monetary, legal and liability considerations outside the norm. The role is responsible for ensuring accuracy of purchases while anticipating, troubleshooting and resolving issues. The Buyer proactively reviews production schedules, simulating at least five weeks of planned production, and participates in weekly plant production calls to support and align with production schedules.

The Buyer collaborates closely with suppliers to address material defects, delivery shortages, and invoice discrepancies. Including leading investigating root causes, obtaining corrective actions for supply Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), communicating findings to the plant, and logging details in the NCR program.

Additionally, the Buyer leads efforts to identify and evaluate new sources for key raw materials and packaging, ensuring they meet purchasing specifications and customer requirements at the best obtainable pricing, with a focus on cost savings. The Buyer requests and coordinates all supplier quality and food safety documents required by Tree Top Supplier Management to approve products for purchase.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the Purchasing Manager and does not supervise staff. Works closely with Planning, Marketing, Finance, AP/AR, QA, Supplier Management, Traffic, Information Services, Contract Manufacturing, warehouses, Tree Top plants, suppliers, and distributors.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENTRY:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of effective business communication, correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including office equipment, record keeping and filing.
• Principles and practices of inventory planning and tracking.
• Principles and practices of negotiation.
• Principles and practices of basic accounting and/or bookkeeping.

ABILITY TO:

• Prepare and maintain a variety of records. Utilize Data connections and Birst reports.
• Adapt to rapidly changing priorities in a demanding environment. Balance daily workload requirement, focusing on priorities and critical tasks.
• Perform basic mathematical and accounting calculations.
• Use computers and computer software including ten-key proficiency, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Meet behaviors established in Tree Top's Performance Culture and Values.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Results Oriented thinking to utilize Critical thinking skills.
• Time management. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Attention to details. Proofing, correcting errors that may occur.
• Must be a dynamic collaborator in a team environment.
• Adapt to a rapidly changing fast changing work environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Proficient in Infor M3 and Excel.
• Previous experience with food safety and documentation.
• Buyer/purchasing skills.
• Negotiation skills.

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION/LICENSES, AND TRAINING:

• A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Computer Science, Business Management, or related field is preferred, equivalent experience in lieu of a degree, or CPIM.
• Minimum of 3 years combined experience in purchasing, production planning, and/or supply chain in a complex corporate environment.

Tree Top is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation to participate in our application process, please contact Human Resources at: hr@treetop.com or 509-697-7251.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this job with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the department/division to accommodate the limitation. Tree Top does not employee individuals under the age of 18.