Plant Purchasing Inventory Specialist

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. At our Visalia plant, equipped with the largest single evaporator-dryer in North America, we manufacture milk powder, butter, and AMF. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California

Our commitment to CDI employees:

We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

The Plant Purchasing & Inventory Specialist is responsible for the ordering, validating receipts, cycle counting, and inventory of packaging material, ingredients, and supplies as needed for the assigned plants. They will coordinate with plant staff to ensure all inventory levels are maintained within established min-max thresholds. They will also coordinate with Plant Controllers to ensure inventory levels are consistent with ERP/asset counts and any discrepancies are corrected in a timely manner.

Essential Functions

• Report to and follows the directions of the Director of Procurement or Designee.
• Packaging and ingredient oversight to ensure availability and expedite inventory replenishment needs.
• Maintain established min-max inventory levels utilizing physical cycle counts and available technologies; ERP, PIRBAP, Power BI Reports, etc.
• Manage First In/First Out (FIFO) for all on-hand packaging and ingredients.
• Maintain positive vendor relations.
• Ordering all packaging and ingredients and ensure proper receiving, storage, and labeling of packaging and ingredient inventories.
• Responsible for and authorized to bind company resources in the purchase of necessary good and services.
• Make decisions regarding the need to purchase goods and services to support the operational forecast without relying on specific instruction.
• Analyze, identify, and execute on opportunities to optimize the use of company funds, i.e.- MOQ's, combination ordering with other plants, etc.
• Perform weekly cycle counting of all on-hand packaging and ingredients.
• Communicate all identified discrepancies to Procurement leadership and the Plant Controller for timely correction of recorded inventory levels in ERP.
• Ensure that all inventory discrepancies are managed appropriately.
• Creation and submission of electronic purchase requisitions and purchase orders.
• Responsible to work with limited to no supervision in all key areas.
• Coordinate with Procurement leadership and Plant Controllers to ensure timely disposition of obsolete packaging and ingredients as needed.
• Responsible for counting and communicating any discrepancies with Plant Controllers for middle and end of month inventories.
• Complete work required in the ERP system for items at the facility and coordinate with third party warehouses (3pl) to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Keep management personnel informed on operations through verbal and written communications.
• Complete all paperwork neatly and correctly.
• Adhere to all CDI policies related to safety and quality requirements including SQF, GMP, and HACCP procedures.
• Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies.
• Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.
• Excellent regular full-time attendance in support of company objectives.
• Use initiative and judgment in making decisions, keeping with California Dairies, Inc. best interests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
• Must work in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to maintain inventory levels.
• Must be able to utilize computer database(s) to properly track and process purchases.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced computational skills required.
• Math reasoning required.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Prior use of Inventory Management Systems is preferred.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field or a minimum of 5 years of equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4 or more years of transferable experience or commensurate experience in Warehouse/Inventory Management Functions is preferred.

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Driving Requirements

Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Driver's License.

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties within the plants. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times. Use of a computer and scanner for the Inventory System.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. An employee may come into contact with the following: ammonia, acids, caustics, chlorines, paints, particles, oils and lubricants, steam, pneumatics, fumes and hazardous gases, sealing compounds.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.

Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.

Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.

Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.

Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.

Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.

Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.

Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer
To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at talent@californiadaires.com. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

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