MFG PLANT BUYER (HOURLY)

Responsible for buying raw materials, ingredient items, and packaging at the optimum value to maximize profit. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

• Coordinate, obtain, and evaluate projected finished product requirements, maintain economic inventory levels beyond immediate operational requirements, and maintain a continuity of supply of procured raw materials and packaging at a reasonable cost consistent with quality specifications and operations requirements 
• Advise management on market and business conditions
• Search and develop sources of market information; study, analyze and interpret trends and market movement to generate sound purchasing decisions
• Maintain price list and price quotations, to include soliciting and analyzing quotations, resolving invoice discrepancies, and maintaining market pricing and purchasing records
• Negotiate short-term contracts, consolidate shipments, expedite and coordinate changes, and control commodity inventory beyond immediate production requirements
• Coordinate commodities requirements with Corporate Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers and General Sales Managers
• Establish and maintain positive vendor relations, to include evaluating performance, interviewing representatives, reconciling complaints and adjustments, originating communications, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging and participating in meetings between vendor representatives, and plant and company personnel
• Conduct annual physical inventory of all central stock 
• Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures
• Participate in and actively support all Safety and Reliability initiatives         
• Schedule all inbound finished product
• Balance delivery loads and times while staying within shift limits
• Manage inventory at satellite warehouses for regular movement, weekly distributions, sales promotions, and customer request orders
• Balance deliveries with shipping requirements at warehouse as well as receiving parameters of each warehouse 
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements. 
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF. 
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum

• High school diploma or GED
• 2 years of prior experience in production operations.
• Basic knowledge of bakery operations and production processes.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand complex verbal and written instructions.

Desired

• Previous food manufacturing experience.