Purchasing Manager

Full-time

Description

On-site role at Kings River Packing, LP headquarters office in Sanger, CA.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational procurement of all materials, with a primary focus on packaging and supplies that support the company’s fruit sales operations. This role develops and executes purchasing strategies, manages vendor and third-party packer relationships, and ensures a cost-effective, high-quality, and reliable supply to meet production and sales demands. The Purchasing Manager works cross-functionally with operations, quality assurance, and sales teams to optimize procurement efficiency, minimize risk, and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize material sourcing, focusing on quality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for raw materials and packaging, fostering strong, long-term vendor relationships.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and payment terms to achieve favorable conditions and cost savings.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to anticipate supply risks and identify purchasing opportunities.
• Address supplier issues related to product quality, delivery, or billing in a timely and effective manner.
• Coordinate and conduct regular packaging inventory counts at third-party packing facilities to ensure accuracy.
• Communicate material and packaging demand forecasts to third-party packers to maintain adequate stock for production schedules.
• Develop and oversee inventory control procedures to minimize waste, prevent stockouts, and optimize inventory levels.
• Collaborate with packers to resolve any quality or supply chain issues related to packaging materials.
• Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers, third-party packers, and internal departments including sales, operations, quality assurance, and marketing.
• Partner with the quality assurance team to ensure all procured materials and packaging meet food safety standards and company specifications.
• Align purchasing strategies with production schedules and sales forecasts to ensure on-time and efficient material flow.
• Provide regular reporting on purchasing activities, KPIs, inventory levels, and cost-saving initiatives to senior management.
• Lead and mentor purchasing team members, if applicable, to develop a high-performance procurement function.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the fresh produce or food industry.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and quality assurance standards.
• Proficiency with procurement, ERP, or inventory management software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to build strong relationships across internal and external teams.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and willingness to travel to supplier and packer locations as needed.

Physical Demands & Abilities

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods, as well as visit packing and supplier locations, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Onsite work schedule: Monday – Friday, with flexibility during peak production periods.

Our Benefits (highlights):

• $95,000 – $125,000, DOE.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous PTO, 48 hours sick leave, and 8 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with 4% company match after 1 year of service.
• On-site team building and a collaborative, family-oriented culture.

This information reflects a base salary range that Kings River Packing reasonably expects to pay for the position based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, education, certification, and experience. The job posting is not designed to cover all duties; responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
Kings River Packing, LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.