The Commodity Buyer is responsible for procuring assigned food commodities to meet customer demand, maintain appropriate inventory levels, and support organizational goals. This role involves demand forecasting, inventory management, vendor coordination, and quality assurance. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic supply chain environment while upholding Gleaners’ mission and values. All responsibilities and duties will further Gleaners’ mission to be a leader in the fight against hunger.
Execute procurement and promotion of assigned commodities to meet weekly customer demand, ensuring alignment with target price points and maintaining appropriate inventory levels across multiple locations. Averaging 4-7 million dollars of on hand inventory
Effectively forecast and execute orders up to several months in advance by creating, maintaining, and assessing supply and demand in our ERP system.
Monitor and manage the products that are offered through various user platforms (including Fresh Connect Central’s ecommerce site and MealConnect, amongst others) to ensure an accurate portfolio of products are available for customers to shop.
Prepare and provide bids and/or kitting projects in a timely manner to food banks/partners requesting bid pricing.
Coordinate with the production team regarding standard box menus, custom box menus, inventory availability and repack schedule.
Acquire and manage donated item inventory by collaborating with fellow supply chain donation team members, other food banks or vendor partners.
Monitor product date codes and present appropriate exit strategies for moving affected products.
Follow up with appropriate contacts when dealing with poor quality products upon delivery and help make decisions on next steps as needed.
Facilitate resolution of customer credits and rejected shipments in support of leadership by documenting issues, guiding customers through required processes, and supporting credit submission to finance team.
Provide backup support to other Food Commodity Buyer and Supply Chain team members as needed.
Operate with “cross-functional” approach and accordingly accept / assume new responsibilities as dictated by business environment
Maintain positive and ethical working relationships with food banks, freight carriers, vendors and Feeding America collaborators, while exemplifying Gleaners’ mission, vision, and values.
Contribute to and participate in CRM maintenance in collaboration with Partner Support Team
Contribute to and participate in the creation of marketing materials related to advertising products under the ownership of the Commodity Buyer.
Maintain a working knowledge of the larger food industry and stay up to date with global trends that will impact sourcing and supply chain challenges.
Compile and submit reports, documentation, and data to the Finance team and Feeding America on a regular (monthly, quarterly, annual) or ad-hoc basis.
All other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience of Commodity Buyer:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Business, Purchasing or Sales
Prior experience with food purchasing, forecasting, inventory management and customer service (three years of experience preferred)
Prior experience with vendor and customer relationship management
Knowledge of food banking and/or food manufacturing experience desired
Other Skills and Abilities of Commodity Buyer:
Working knowledge of food products/categories and the ability to quickly learn and develop expertise in food-related inventory and sourcing.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, written communication and presentation skills including external customer service.
Ability to work well with others, including face-to-face and verbal contact.
Ability to read, write and understand instructions.
Attention to detail and accuracy; especially in handling records, inventory, orders, and product date codes.
Adaptability and problem-solving; readiness to respond to changing business needs, quality issues, rejected shipments, and inventory challenges.
Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively with minimal supervision
Ability to perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
Ability to count accurately and maintain accurate records.
Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite.
CRM/ERP experience (Salesforce experience is a plus).
Ability to create, analyze and present reports.
Valid driver's license/Clean driving record /3 years of driving experience/Must be insurable by company vehicle insurance provider.
14 paid holidays 3 Paid Sick Leave Days, Federal Holidays, 2 Volunteer Days & Birthday
Learning & Development Opportunities
Company paid vision, long-term disability, $50,000 life AD&D
Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Maternal, parental & caregiver leave
On-site Gym
Wellness programs
403(b) Plan with up to 4% match
Monthly attendance bonus
Earn up to 10% incentive pay
Apparel allowance
Since 1980, Gleaners’ commitment to fighting hunger through innovation, collaboration and teamwork has placed our organization as one of the leaders in the Feeding America network. We are proud to be a certified Good Wages Initiative employer through EmployIndy, offering a living wage and employer-sponsored health insurance.