Purchasing Officer – Food Manufacturing

Job Purpose

The Purchasing Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day purchasing of raw materials, packaging materials and production-related supplies required to support manufacturing operations.

The role will ensure materials are purchased on time, in the required quantities, at competitive costs and in accordance with quality and food safety requirements. The position will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to maintain material availability, manage purchase orders and support efficient inventory and supply chain operations.

Main Responsibilities

Purchasing & Material Availability

• Manage the day-to-day purchasing process for raw materials, packaging materials and production-related supplies.
• Convert material requirements, forecasts and production needs into purchase orders.
• Place purchase orders according to production schedules, supplier lead times, minimum order quantities and agreed purchasing conditions.
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively identify potential shortages, delays or supply risks.
• Follow up with suppliers to ensure materials are delivered according to agreed quantity, specification, quality and delivery schedule.
• Coordinate with Warehouse, Logistics and Production teams to ensure smooth receipt of purchased materials.
• Escalate potential material shortages or supply disruptions to the relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure purchasing activities support production continuity and customer requirements.

Material Planning & Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate purchasing and material information within the ERP/MRP system.
• Monitor material requirements based on production forecasts, stock levels, lead times and minimum order quantities.
• Review inventory levels and identify potential excess, slow-moving or insufficient stock.
• Support inventory optimization while maintaining adequate material availability.
• Coordinate with Production and Supply Chain teams to anticipate upcoming material requirements.
• Monitor supplier lead times and purchasing parameters and update information when required.
• Support continuous improvement of purchasing and material planning processes.

Supplier Management

• Maintain effective day-to-day relationships with suppliers.
• Follow up on supplier commitments relating to delivery, quantity, quality and pricing.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding purchase orders, delivery schedules and supply issues.
• Coordinate with Quality, Warehouse, Logistics and other relevant departments to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Support supplier performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Provide purchasing information for supplier performance reviews and improvement activities.
• Assist in identifying potential alternative suppliers when required.

Import & Logistics Coordination

• Coordinate purchasing activities for materials sourced locally and internationally.
• Work closely with Logistics teams to track shipments and ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare and coordinate purchasing and shipping documentation required for imported materials.
• Monitor shipment and import status and communicate potential delays or risks.
• Coordinate with relevant teams regarding customs clearance and delivery requirements.
• Ensure purchasing information is accurately communicated between Purchasing, Logistics and Warehouse teams.

ERP & Purchasing Administration

• Create and maintain purchase orders in the relevant ERP/MRP system.
• Maintain accurate supplier, material and purchasing master data.
• Ensure purchase orders and purchasing transactions are correctly recorded.
• Monitor purchase order status and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate with Finance regarding purchase order, invoice and goods receipt discrepancies.
• Support invoice verification against purchase orders and received goods.
• Maintain complete and accurate purchasing documentation and records.
• Prepare purchasing reports and information as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering or a related field.
• Previous experience in Purchasing, Procurement, Material Planning or Supply Chain, preferably within food, FMCG, ingredients, chemicals or manufacturing industries.
• Experience purchasing raw materials, packaging materials or production-related supplies is highly preferred.
• Good understanding of purchasing processes, inventory management and supplier coordination.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems is preferred.
• Experience with local and/or international purchasing is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of import, logistics and customs processes is a plus.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and coordination skills.
• Good command of Thai and English.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.