Sr. Buyer - Protein Purchasing

Sr. Buyer - Protein Purchasing 1000 Darden Center Dr, Orlando FL 32837 JOB OVERVIEW :

The Senior Buyer works with the Purchasing Manager to develop and implement strategies to purchase various products for use across the Darden enterprise.

Focusing on the acquisition of product categories that represent varying levels of risk and value, the Senior Buyer evaluates options / scenarios and executes agreements with the input of Purchasing Manager, marketing / culinary development teams, sourcing analysts, and logistics analysts.

The Senior Buyer uses his / her knowledge of industry and commodity markets to negotiate agreements with suppliers.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Identifies and selects suppliers by leveraging available resources (e.g., knowledge of supplier capabilities, industry benchmarking data);

considers purchasing strategies developed by Purchasing leaders

• Executes purchasing strategy for one or more product categories requested by Darden Concepts; uses analysis provided by Sourcing and Logistics Analysts to actively negotiate agreements with suppliers
• Focuses efforts on the acquisition of products and / or services requiring varying levels of spend and / or complexity
• Identifies opportunities for cost savings / cost avoidance for the product category
• Prepares and executes Requests for Information (RFIs) & Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
• Provides usage forecasts to suppliers
• Interfaces with other Supply Chain functions to conduct cost formulation and develop component cost break-outs; obtains and shares information regarding analysis and logistics
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with suppliers
• Demonstrates an understanding of one or more product categories / industries, specific market trends, and available suppliers;

develops an understanding of key suppliers' operations; gains familiarity with trade associations

• Conducts supplier site visits in support of activities including product development, education, negotiation, issue resolution, etc.
• Attends / conducts supplier meetings in order to understand capabilities, conduct business reviews, and monitor supplier financial health
• Reviews and evaluates supplier performance with the input of other members of the Purchasing team through the use of informal (e.

g., observation) and formal (e.g., vendor ratings) metrics

• Provides guidance to Supply Chain contractors in other countries to develop local supplier relationships in support of purchasing strategies
• Monitors, analyzes, and projects commodity and product category markets in order to ensure supply, manage risk (i.e., contingency planning), and ensure value
• Responsible for managing inventory and production requirements
• Presents ideas for product innovations (for further exploration)
• Leads less critical crisis management efforts; assists Purchasing Managers and Directors with critical items
• Implements sustainability strategy
• Addresses vendor product quality or service issues; supports other functions (e.g., Culinary Operations, Facilities) in vendor escalation issues as needed
• Works with Total Quality, Culinary, and / or Operations Excellence teams to plan presentations, review specifications, and / or evaluate supplier compliance
• Costs samples of development products; provides cost information to Culinary teams
• Sources new products and services to support business needs with Manager(s) guidance
• Coordinates supply for promotions and tests relevant to a product category
• Conducts contingency planning with Brands (as necessary)
• Meets with brands on product supply or quality concerns
• Travel required for supplier visits, conferences, training, product development, etc.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS :

• Minimum of three to five years of Purchasing / Supply Chain or combination of relevant experience and education
• Experience with purchasing one or more categories of products or services
• Experience with purchasing / buying negotiation tactics
• Demonstrated solid understanding of purchasing and its implications
• General understanding of industry-related markets
• Understanding of business, solid business acumen
• Knowledge and familiarity with the use of software / information systems
• Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships

REQUIRED EDUCATION :

Bachelors degree in business or a relevant field preferred

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS :

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical ability, specifically with building MS Excel reports
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent organization, prioritization and time management skills
• Proven ability to lead meetings and teams effectively. Demonstrated success in presenting in large group settings
• Strong track record associated with negotiation, problem solving and conflict management
• Team player, loyalty and professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• People management experience preferred but not require
• Masters degree a plus
16 days ago