Senior Purchasing Lead
Yakima, WA

Advancing the Future of Freshness™, Together

AgroFresh is a fast-moving, dynamic company dedicated to delivering integrated near- and post-harvest solutions for more freshness and quality, every step of the way from harvest to home. From next-gen digital monitoring and analytics and plant-based coatings to integrated fungicide solutions and SO2 generating sheets for more intelligent packaging, you can count on us for a full suite of near- and post-harvest solutions that help enhance quality and extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables.

When you work at AgroFresh, you work with the leading experts in near- and post-harvest technologies to proactively solve the most pressing challenges. Imagine a world where the produce supply chain has more time every step of the way. Where products get to consumers exactly as the grower intended. Where food loss is minimized, sustainability maximized, and business empowered. This is the world of Smarter Freshness.

What the Role Delivers

This role is responsible for the procurement, inventory management and documentation processes to ensure the proper supply of components, parts and supplies necessary to support AgroFresh locations at the Wapato Plant and Yakima Service Center locations through the use of company policies, purchasing strategies and the management of supplier relationships. A successful person assures economical procurement of materials as well as the timely planning, control and delivery of materials required to meet company objectives. This position will supervise purchasing and supply chain direct reports.

Key Responsibilities
In order of relative importance

• Place purchase orders with suppliers and follow up on orders placed to ensure accurate and timely delivery to multiple locations and departments.
• Support saving initiatives with identification of potential new qualified suppliers by working with suppliers to determine factors that affect prices and determine lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability and ability to meet required schedules.
• Compile information to keep informed on price trends and manufacturing processes to be able to support review of vendor proposals and negotiate vendor pricing
• Work with finance to develop cost standards and analyze variances to standard.
• Issue annual blanket purchase orders for recurring services.
• Facilitate communication among multiple locations and departments regarding potential delays of incoming materials.
• Supervise purchasing and supply chain specialists.
• Vendor management.
• Backup for export shipments and process order processing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who to Work With

Primary internal and external stakeholders

• Field Service & Engineering Teams
• Production, Supply chain
• Relevant 3rd Party Suppliers and Partners

How We Work
AgroFresh core competencies – those in italics apply for people leaders

• Accountability for Results
• Mindset for Growth
• Customer Centricity
• One AgroFresh

What the Job Requires

• A Bachelor degree or equivalent (minimum 5-7 years) work experience.
• Experience with SAP

What to Have Done and Know How to Do

These skills and experiences are highly desirable; however, they do not preclude exceptions based on an individual’s performance history and demonstrated potential.

• Negotiation skills
• Working knowledge of Excel
• Working knowledge of systems supporting manufacturing, inventory, and cost accounting.
• Experience in manufacturing, planning, warehousing and distribution.
• Strong professional interpersonal, verbal, and written skills when interacting with all levels of the organization and external contacts and the ability to question appropriately
• Demonstrated ability to add organization to complex activities
• Demonstrated ability to work with as part of a team with people at various levels of professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direct functional supervision
• Other desirable skills include: Project Management, analytical and conceptual skills; “can do” attitude, attention to detail, problem solve

Why Work Here

• We work every day to improve the quantity and quality of fresh produce and reduce food waste – that is important to every person on the planet!
• We have a rich history and are known for our quality products.
• We have an enterprising spirit and are looking for like-minded problem-solvers to help us accomplish our goals.
• We focus on the Critical Few priorities that are important for us and our customers and then hold ourselves accountable to deliver.
• We are growing and transforming – both our business and the industry.
• We are committed to developing our colleagues and helping you advance in your career.
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.