Buyer

Job Summary:This position is responsible for managing the purchasing and material planning activities for assigned raw materials and packaging components to ensure timely availability for production. This role uses MRP and ERP systems to monitor material requirements, maintain accurate planning and purchasing data, manage purchase orders, and proactively address supply or inventory risks.Additionally, this position works closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, Production, and Quality, to align material availability with production requirements, optimize inventory levels, and support efficient and reliable manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized and analytical, with strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to proactively manage changing priorities and supply needs.

Essential Job Functions:

Review MRP requirements, planning signals, and exception messages and convert them into timely and accurate purchase orders aligned with production and inventory requirements.Monitor material requirements and inventory levels to identify potential shortages, excess inventory, or other supply risks and take proactive action to maintain material availability.Monitor inbound shipments, track supplier confirmations and deliveries, and proactively update ERP systems to maintain accurate and timely material information.Maintain and optimize planning parameters, including lead times, safety stock levels, order quantities, minimum order quantities, and other relevant MRP settings.Communicate regularly with suppliers regarding purchase orders, delivery schedules, material availability, and changes in requirements.Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery delays, shortages, discrepancies, and other day-to-day material supply issues.Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to support production requirements and maintain continuity of supply.Support new product launches, product transitions, and material changes by coordinating purchasing and planning activities in accordance with established processes and timelines.Maintain accurate purchasing and material master data within ERP and planning systems and identify opportunities to improve data integrity and planning accuracy.Analyze purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance information to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improved material planning and inventory management.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance purchasing processes, MRP effectiveness, supplier performance, inventory management, and data accuracy.Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Qualifications:Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Logistics, or related field.Demonstrated experience working in an MRP- or ERP-driven purchasing, materials planning, or supply chain environment; experience with Oracle is preferred.Strong Microsoft Excel and data management skills, with the ability to analyze purchasing, inventory, and material planning information.Strong understanding of purchasing and material planning principles, including purchase orders, lead times, inventory levels, safety stock, order quantities, and supplier delivery requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

3+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, materials management, inventory planning, MRP planning, or production scheduling.Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or another manufacturing environment.Experience purchasing or planning raw materials and packaging components.Experience with Oracle or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP) systems.APICS / ASCM certification, such as CPIM or CSCP, or progress toward certification.Experience with supply chain analytics, reporting, or business intelligence tools such as Power BI.

Competencies:

Results‑driven, proactive workstyle with a strong commitment to service, collaboration, and problem-solving (Speed, Customer Centricity, Dedication, Problem-Solving, Entrepreneurship).Demonstrated integrity and professionalism with sound judgment in decision-making and workplace interactions (Dedication, Customer Centricity).Adaptability in fast‑paced or changing environments (Speed, Entrepreneurship).Excellent communication that builds understanding, aligns stakeholders, and presents ideas effectively to audiences at all levels (Passion, Customer Centricity).Relationship‑building skills that foster trust, teamwork, and strong internal partnerships (Customer Centricity, Dedication).Effective time and priority management (Speed, Dedication).Ability in resolving conflict with a practical, people-focused approach (Customer Centricity, Problem‑Solving).Consistent attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality work (Passion, Dedication).

Additional Considerations:Travel Requirements:

Some travel is required.

Location:

SunOpta Allentown, PA Facility

Work Environment:

Majority of work is performed in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, including frequent screen use and visual focus.Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, mouse use, and handling documents or office equipment.Occasional standing, walking, bending, stretching, and reaching.Ability to lift and carry items up to 15-25 pounds.Sufficient verbal and auditory ability for communication in meetings, calls, and office settings.