Question
FULL_TIME
5-10

Buyer

1/3/2026

The Buyer is responsible for ensuring that materials are ordered and delivered on time to support operations. This includes initiating purchase orders, coordinating with vendors, and tracking orders.

Salary

24 - 26 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
Element Food Solutions is a dry blend products supplier with diversified, better-for-you ingredients and a packaging solutions provider for the food industry. Our commercialization expertise in handling specialty dry blend ingredients and agglomeration technologies provides focused, customer solution-based execution. We bring world class manufacturing while partnering to deliver on-trend products and packaging. We offer gluten-free and allergen-segregated processing options and nutritional claim know-how. Dynamic capabilities with an SQF-certified facility allows us to lead product, processing and packaging innovations for retail, foodservice and industrial customers.
About the Role

Job Details

Level: Experienced
Job Location: Chicago - Hodgkins, IL 60525
Position Type: Full Time
Job Shift: Day

Summary of Job

*This is a temporary position*

The Buyer ensures that materials are ordered and delivered within the window needed to support the operation.  The buyer is multi-faceted, must be able to multi-task, have above average computer knowledge and the ability to work in a team environment that is fast paced and ever changing.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Initiate purchase orders for ingredients and packaging items
  • Generate inbound POs for customer inbounds
  • Close open inbound POs
  • Work through weekly MRP to determine orders to place, move up, move back
  • Coordinate with dock scheduling
  • Assist with new item/vendor set ups
  • Track late orders and communicate with production
  • Provide forecasts to vendors as needed
  • Place orders for materials in customer systems (i.e. SAP) based off MRP & customer demand schedule BOM breakdown
  • Request COAs from customer if inbound comes without
  • Checks on inbounds that miss appointments or don't show up
  • Customer weekly meetings to attend and review shortages.
  • Analytical forecast reviews and dashboards management
  • RMA and returns to vendors.
  • KPI’s follow up and management
  • Running shortage report daily

Qualifications


Education and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Global Supply Chain Preferred or related field, or equivalent work experience in a similar role
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in purchasing/materials management (food related preferred)
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
  • Oracle, SAP or M3 Infor, BAAN or related system experience.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
  • Strong computer and Excel skills
  • Experience with MRP and manufacturing environment desired

 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit for long periods of time and possibly some standing, walking or bending
  • Ability to use computers
  • Ability to work in various environments, such as office or warehouse

Technical Skills

  • Windows 10/11: Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade the operating system and its features
  • Windows Server 2012/2016/2019: Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade the server operating system and its features, such as Active Directory, Exchange, DNS, DHCP, etc.
  • Active Directory: Ability to create and maintain user accounts, distribution lists, security groups, and network shared folders
  • Exchange: Ability to create and maintain email accounts, mailboxes, calendars, contacts, and distribution lists
  • TCP/IP Networking: Ability to understand and apply the basic concepts of networking, such as IP addressing, subnetting, routing, switching, etc.
  • Internet Applications: Ability to use and troubleshoot various internet applications, such as IE, Chrome, Firefox, etc.
  • Hardware: Ability to deploy, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade various hardware devices, such as PC, laptops, mobile devices, printers, scanners, etc.
  • Software: Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade various software applications, such as MS Office, antivirus, backup, etc.
  • Network Cabling: Ability to install and terminate network cabling, such as RJ45 and Patch Panels, and to troubleshoot network connectivity issues
  • Documentation: Ability to create and maintain accurate and detailed documentation, such as procedures, guides, inventory, etc., using MS Office and other tools

Soft Skills:

  • Communication: Buyers need to communicate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and customers. 
  • Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills are crucial for securing favorable prices and terms with suppliers. 
  • Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers is essential for long-term success. 
  • Analytical Skills: Analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and evaluating supplier performance require strong analytical skills. 
  • Stress Management: Buyers often work under pressure, requiring the ability to stay calm and make sound decisions. 
  • Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and priorities is crucial for long-term success. 
  • Decision-Making: Buyers need to make timely and informed decisions, weighing various factors and options. 

Hard Skills:

  • Procurement Knowledge: Understanding of procurement processes, including sourcing, negotiation, and contract management. 
  • Market Research: Ability to research and analyze market trends, identify new suppliers, and understand customer needs. 
  • Inventory Management: Knowledge of inventory control, ordering systems, and managing stock levels. 
  • Math Skills: Proficiency in calculations, budgeting, and financial analysis. 
  • IT Skills: Competence in using relevant software, such as ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office. 
  • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. 
  • Supplier Management: Ability to manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery. 

Food Safety Responsibilities:

  • Follow all relevant food safety rules including SQF, GMPs, and Food Defense.
  • Report any observed food safety violations to your supervisor immediately.

 

Core Benefits

  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Leave
  • Holiday Paid

Voluntary Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • 401 k (matching)
  • Accident
  • Critical Illness
  • Wellness
  • Gym membership

Job Type:

  • Full-time

Pay:

  • Range $24.00- $26.00 per hour

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends (as needed)
Key Skills
PurchasingMaterials ManagementOrganizational SkillsComputer SkillsExcel SkillsMRPAnalytical SkillsNegotiationInterpersonal SkillsDecision-MakingInventory ManagementSupplier ManagementFood SafetyMarket ResearchData Analysis
Categories
LogisticsFood & BeverageManufacturingAdministrativeConsulting
Benefits
Basic Life InsuranceShort Term DisabilityLong Term DisabilityPaid Time OffPaid LeaveHoliday PaidMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsurancePet Insurance401 KAccidentCritical IllnessWellnessGym Membership
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