About this role
Job Title: Purchasing Specialist / Buyer
Location: Proximity to Forest Hills, NY 11375 (On-Site: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Note: Remote flexibility may be considered solely for candidates possessing specialized bakery supply industry experience.
Position Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Base Salary: $75,000 – $90,000 / year (commensurate with experience)
About the Company
Our client is an established, premier commercial food and bakery supply distributor operating in Queens, NY. Serving commercial bakeries, food manufacturers, and foodservice operations across the tri-state area, they specialize in sourcing high-quality raw ingredients, bakery supplies, and packaging.
They are seeking a sharp, results-driven Purchasing Specialist to take ownership of vendor negotiations, inventory planning, and supply chain cost management.
Position Overview
In this role, you will be responsible for managing purchase orders, monitoring product inventory levels, and driving cost-savings through aggressive, strategic vendor negotiations. The ideal candidate brings a proven background in corporate procurement, strong price-negotiation skills, and a data-driven approach to vendor management.
While experience within the food, beverage, or bakery supply sector is a major plus, strong purchasing candidates from other product-based/distribution industries are highly encouraged to apply!
Key Responsibilities
Vendor Negotiations & Cost Reduction: Actively negotiate pricing, payment terms, and volume discounts with suppliers to maximize margins and lower cost of goods sold (COGS).
Inventory Management & Procurement: Issue purchase orders (POs), track vendor lead times, and monitor safety stock levels to prevent inventory shortages or excess stock.
Supplier Relationship Management: Evaluate supplier performance on price competitiveness, product quality, delivery speed, and order accuracy. Identify new vendor sources when necessary.
Market & Price Analysis: Track market trends, raw material price fluctuations, and commodity swings to make timely, cost-effective buying decisions.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with warehouse logistics, sales, and accounting teams to resolve invoice discrepancies, damaged shipments, and inventory variances.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience: 3+ years of professional purchasing, procurement, or buying experience in a product distribution or wholesale environment.
Industry Background: Procurement experience in food manufacturing, grocery distribution, or bakery supplies is preferred, but general consumer goods/distribution purchasing experience is welcome.
Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of successfully negotiating vendor pricing, contracts, and terms.
Analytical Ability: Strong mathematical and analytical skills with proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) and inventory/ERP software systems.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written negotiation skills with a proactive, self-motivated attitude.
Work Arrangement: Willingness to work on-site Monday through Friday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) at the Queens office location.
Compensation & Perks
Competitive Annual Salary: $75,000 – $90,000
Comprehensive Benefits Package (Health, Vision, Dental options)
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holiday Pay
401(k) Retirement Plan
Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $75,000.00 - $90,000.00