Job description
Brock11 is partnering with our client, a well-established and growing food manufacturing organization, to identify a procurement specialist for their Medina, Ohio operation. This position is ideal for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing day-to-day replenishment execution with strategic process improvement.
This role will have a strong emphasis on replenishment, inventory management, and operational continuity within a fresh food manufacturing environment. The procurement team plays a critical role in keeping production lines running, maintaining service levels, and supporting the organization’s bottom line through effective purchasing and supplier management.
The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, collaborative, and comfortable challenging the status quo to improve processes and drive operational efficiency.
Position overview
The procurement specialist will support procurement execution, replenishment activities, supplier coordination, and inventory management to ensure continuity of supply across manufacturing operations. This individual will partner cross-functionally with operations, planning, quality, finance, innovation/culinary, and suppliers to support material availability, inventory optimization, and purchasing consistency.
This role is highly visible within the organization and requires someone who is confident representing the procurement function internally and externally with suppliers and business partners.
Key responsibilities
Procurement execution & supply continuity
Execute purchasing and replenishment activities for ingredients, packaging, PPE, and other assigned materials supporting production requirements
Monitor material availability and coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted production flow
Resolve shortages, delays, and supply disruptions in partnership with suppliers and operations teams
Support inventory continuity while balancing cost, service, and operational efficiency
Assist with inter-site material coordination and transfers as needed
Support supplier visits, trade shows, and vendor relationship activities
Inventory & replenishment management
Manage replenishment activities including reorder points, safety stock reviews, lead times, and inventory planning parameters
Analyze inventory trends, demand variability, and supplier performance to optimize inventory levels
Help drive forecasting alignment and purchasing consistency across departments
Support initiatives focused on reducing waste, shortages, and excess inventory
Operate effectively in a fast-paced fresh food environment where priorities can shift quickly
Supplier coordination & cross-functional collaboration
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support service, quality, and delivery expectations
Collaborate closely with operations, planning, food science, innovation, and culinary teams
Participate in sourcing initiatives, RFQs, supplier transitions, and material changes
Support procurement-related activities tied to new product launches and packaging transitions
Represent the procurement team professionally in supplier meetings and cross-functional discussions
Process improvement & strategic thinking
Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, system utilization, and operational efficiency
Challenge existing processes and contribute ideas for continuous improvement
Utilize ERP systems and analytics to support data accuracy and informed decision-making
Bring a strategic mindset to purchasing decisions by thinking ahead, anticipating seasonal demand cycles, and leveraging supplier partnerships
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, operations, or related field
2-5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, replenishment, inventory management, or supply chain operations
Experience within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or a fast-paced manufacturing environment strongly preferred
Experience with ERP systems such as Sage X3, Anaplan, or similar platforms
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Data analysis and reporting
Clean, executive-level data presentation
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Strong communication, collaboration, and supplier relationship management skills
Self-motivated with a proactive, team-oriented mindset
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and operational demands
What our client is looking for
Our client is seeking someone who:
Brings structure and stability to replenishment operations
Is willing to challenge the status quo and improve processes
Thinks strategically, not just transactionally
Can confidently represent the procurement department internally and externally
Thrives in a collaborative, highly visible role
Wants long-term career growth and development within procurement and supply chain operations
Travel
Occasional overnight travel required for supplier visits and industry trade shows
Travel may include monthly or bi-monthly supplier visits and seasonal trade shows
Why this opportunity?
This is an opportunity to join a high-impact procurement team within a growing food manufacturing organization where procurement is viewed as a critical driver of operational success. The company is investing in modernization, process improvement, and long-term talent development, offering strong visibility and career progression opportunities for the right candidate.