Purchasing Officer

Job Purpose

The Purchasing Officer is responsible for the operational purchasing of raw materials, packaging materials and indirect production materials required to support the factory's production activities. The role ensures that materials are purchased on time, at the right quantity and according to the required quality, food safety, regulatory and commercial requirements, while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and supporting a reliable supply chain.

1. Main Responsibilities

Purchasing & Material Availability

• Manage the operational purchasing cycle for:

• Raw materials used in production.

• Packaging materials.

• Indirect production materials required for manufacturing activities.

• Convert material requirements, forecasts and production needs into purchase orders.

• Ensure purchase orders are placed in accordance with production schedules, lead times, minimum order quantities and supplier conditions.

• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively identify potential shortages or delays.

• Follow up with suppliers to ensure materials are delivered according to agreed quantities, specifications and dates.

• Coordinate with Logistics and Warehouse teams to ensure smooth reception of purchased materials.

• Escalate risks of material shortages, delays or supply disruptions to the relevant stakeholders.

Material Planning & Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate purchasing parameters and material data in the ERP/MRP system.

• Manage MDP/MRP parameters based on:

• Production forecasts.

• Stock levels.

• Material requirements.

• Supplier lead times.

• Minimum order quantities.

• Supplier-specific purchasing conditions.

• Monitor inventory levels and identify excess, obsolete or insufficient stock.

• Contribute to inventory optimization while ensuring sufficient material availability for production.

• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Production to anticipate future purchasing requirements.

• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of material planning processes.

Supplier Management

• Maintain effective day-to-day relationships with suppliers.

• Follow up on supplier commitments regarding delivery, quantity, quality and pricing.

• Communicate with suppliers regarding purchase orders, delivery schedules and supply issues.

• Support the resolution of supplier-related issues in cooperation with Quality, Logistics and other relevant departments.

• Participate in supplier performance reviews and provide purchasing-related information and KPIs.

• Support supplier evaluation activities and continuous improvement initiatives.

Import & Logistics Coordination

• Coordinate purchase orders and import-related activities for materials sourced internationally.

• Work closely with the Logistics team to track shipments and ensure materials arrive according to production requirements.

• Provide and coordinate the necessary purchasing and shipping documentation for customs clearance.

• Follow up on import status and communicate potential delays or risks to relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure purchasing information is aligned between the purchasing, logistics and customs systems.

ERP & Administrative Activities

• Create and maintain purchase orders in the relevant ERP systems, including SAGE/MPR and TASCO customs ERP.

• Maintain accurate supplier, material and purchasing master data.

• Ensure purchasing transactions are correctly recorded in the ERP system.

• Coordinate with Finance regarding purchase order and invoice discrepancies.

• Ensure invoices are properly validated against purchase orders and goods receipts in SAGE.

• Maintain appropriate purchasing documentation and records.

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2. Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering or a related field.

• Previous experience in purchasing, material planning or supply chain, preferably in a food, flavour, chemical or manufacturing environment.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; experience with SAGE or similar systems is an advantage.

• Good understanding of purchasing processes, inventory management and supplier follow-up.

• Experience with import purchasing and customs processes is an advantage.

• Good communication and coordination skills.

• Ability to work with multiple departments and manage priorities.

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Good command of English and Thai.

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3. Key Competencies

• Purchasing and order management.

• Material planning and inventory control.

• Supplier relationship management.

• ERP/MRP proficiency.

• Supply chain coordination.

• Problem solving and risk anticipation.

• Attention to detail.

• Communication and cross-functional collaboration.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.