Buyer

SUMMARY

The Buyer is responsible for direct materials purchasing and inventory management for assigned material categories. Accountable for ordering materials from stock code set-up and determining PO quantities to ensuring materials are received on-time, the Buyer is a critical problem solving resource identifying and resolving potential supply gaps.

PROCUREMENT AT HEARTLAND FOOD PRODUCTS GROUP

Heartland Food Products Group is a dynamic, fast-growing organization committed to making a positive impact in the world. We are passionate about building brands and foster a results-driven culture that provides opportunities to rapidly learn and develop your career. Heartland Food Products Group makes SPLENDA® Brand Sweeteners, as well as many other brands and product lines. Heartland’s Strategic sourcing team fuels Heartland’s growth by cultivating strategic alliances with our manufacturing team and key supply partners, while delivering exceptional service, premium quality, and market-leading competitively priced solutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Governance

• Set-up Sourcing specific Master Data for new stock codes in Heartland’s centralized ERP system (material package size, order quantities, artwork/ die line details, warehouse codes, product classification).
• Review min/max quantity calculations for each stock code weekly and update ERP system min/max values where there are changes.
• Update individual stock codes in the ERP system with the latest artwork revision file name as new artwork is communicated from the Heartland Design team.
• Maintain stock code data for accuracy.
• Collect new supplier documentation and coordinate system set up.

Ensure Supply

• Determine raw material order quantity based on Materials Resource Planning (MRP) calculated quantities, current inventory quantities, and historical usage.
• Manage Purchase Order (PO) process from PO issuance through confirmation to delivery of materials. Sourced supplier and PO terms will be directed by the Strategic Sourcing Manager.
• Monitor timeliness of material deliveries to ensure production demand is covered, following up with suppliers where needed.
• Assist with new product launch acquisition of materials to ensure on time first ship.
• Align raw material on hand inventory levels with scheduled production while ensuring expected inventory turns are being met.
• Foster and maintain productive and positive working relationships with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with supply policies and procedures, including ethical and legal guidelines.

Issue Resolution

• Coordinate needed adjustments in delivery timing with Production Planners and Logistics team.
• Investigate and resolve price variances from PO to invoice with Accounts Payable and applicable suppliers.
• Ensure supplier response to quality team and payment status to close open quality claims.
• Escalate raw material delivery delays or quality issues to Strategic Sourcing Managers and Production Planners to mitigate supply gaps.
• Support Strategic Sourcing Managers in the supplier quality and delivery performance ratings in the scorecard process as well as specific feedback to suppliers during Quarterly Business Review meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or a related field.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES

• Collaborative and team oriented with advanced interpersonal skills. Operates with high energy and passion for the company mission and the Sourcing function.
• Focused on building and maintaining collaborative relationships with suppliers. Anticipates and mitigates service, quality, and financial market changes.
• Demonstrates a strong continuous improvement mindset, actively seeking opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.