Position: Category Buyer - Protein
Group: Sales
Location: Brentwood, California
Reports to: Export Trade Manager
About the job: The Category Buyer - Protein - is responsible for the strategic procurement and coordination of high-turnover inventory from suppliers nationwide, ensuring timely fulfillment of sales orders and export departures. This role focuses on cost efficiency and fulfillment accuracy, requiring expertise in both branded and private-label proteins. The Category Buyer must cultivate strong vendor relationships and maintain precise oversight of purchasing details, including product availability, quantity, and pricing.
Responsibilities:
· Manage and execute procurement processes efficiently
· Analyze sales orders to determine sourcing for special-order items and stock replenishment needs.
· Negotiate pricing and process purchase orders with accuracy.
· Introduce new vendors to increase product portfolio.
· Coordinate and track deliveries via truck and rail car.
· Collaborate with the logistics team for product pick-ups when necessary.
· Conduct daily inventory assessments to maintain optimal stock levels.
· Address vendor billing discrepancies and customer claims.
· Maintain pricing accuracy within assigned categories on the protein team’s price lists.
· Monitor and assess market index trends.
· Work collaboratively within the local office, partnering with management, accounting, logistics, and sales teams.
· Engage in field travel to strengthen vendor and customer relationships.
· Assist and perform other tasks as required.
Qualifications:
· Minimum of 5 years' experience in protein procurement.
· Prior vendor relationships (Domestic and International).
· Experience in developing brands that can complement current business.
· Knowledge in chicken, turkey, beef, and pork categories.
· Prior export experience is a plus.
· Basic understanding of USDA/FSIS documentation.
· Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and prioritization skills in a dynamic environment.
· Self-starter with excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
· Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
· Solid analytical and problem-solving expertise.
· Proven ability to cultivate and maintain vendor relationships.
· Collaborative team player with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
· High integrity and a track record of success.
· College degree preferred.
Skills & Knowledge:
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and ERP systems
· Strong understanding of order processing, supply chain management, and international logistics.
· Strong negotiation skills.
· Experience in inventory management, reporting, and forecasting.
· Excellent time management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
Benefits:
· Competitive annual salary.
· Performance-based bonus tied to sales.
· Healthcare, Dental, Vision offered.
· 401(k) retirement program.
Foodlinx, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.