Purchasing Specialist

Bakery Materials Buyer

The Bakery Materials Buyer supports 85°C Bakery Cafe’s supply chain by maintaining a reliable supply of raw ingredients and managing inbound overseas containers. This role coordinates purchasing, monitors market prices, evaluates suppliers, and secures competitive pricing while meeting quality, service, and delivery requirements.

Benefits of Working at 85°C

• Comprehensive benefits, including insurance, PTO, vacation pay, and a 401(k), subject to eligibility and plan terms.
• Complimentary employee meals and tea.
• A 20% discount on products while off duty.
• Monetary incentives through the employee referral program.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• A collaborative, energetic work environment.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of purchasing practices within the bakery or food industry.
• Understanding of food supply chain operations, from suppliers through production and distribution.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate across vendors and internal departments.
• Familiarity with 85°C products, operational needs, and business objectives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
• Strong commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchasing and delivery coordination: Manage purchase orders and coordinate with vendors and internal departments to maintain production schedules. Adjust delivery dates as production needs change and ensure materials arrive on time.
• Substitute sourcing: Identify alternatives for out-of-stock materials, obtain samples for Research and Development approval, and evaluate cost impacts.
• Supplier quality resolution: Document material quality concerns, communicate with vendors, coordinate returns, and request credits or replacements.
• New material sourcing: Fulfill Research and Development requests by identifying suppliers, obtaining competitive bids, conducting cost analyses, and tracking samples and testing results.
• SAP material setup: Create material numbers and records, gather required information, and obtain departmental approvals.
• Material documentation: Collect and maintain specification sheets and share relevant information with Quality Control, Warehouse, and Merchandise teams.
• Pricing analysis: Monitor market fluctuations, calculate cost impacts, and prepare monthly price-change reports.
• Supplier performance: Regularly evaluate pricing, quality, service, and lead times to maintain competitive purchasing arrangements.
• Overseas container management: Coordinate purchase orders, lead times, invoice parking, and inbound logistics for overseas shipments.
• Taiwan coordination: Serve as the primary contact for inbound supply matters involving 85°C Taiwan.
• Supplier visits: Conduct routine supplier and manufacturer visits to verify alignment with Quality Assurance requirements.
• Trade shows: Attend industry events to identify materials offering improved quality and competitive pricing.
• Database maintenance: Keep SAP inventory records current, including specifications, shelf life, photographs, dimensions, and gross weight.
• Annual reporting: Prepare purchasing reports and analyze spending by vendor and item.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position primarily involves indoor office work with light physical duties and occasional temperature changes. Responsibilities require prolonged sitting, repetitive hand movements, reaching, and occasional standing and walking. The employee may lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds.

This description summarizes the position’s primary responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.