Overview

The Jr. Chain Buyer position is a trainee and developmental procurement role that combines administrative support, replenishment buying support, vendor communication, reporting, and chain customer program assistance. This position works closely with Chain Buyers, vendors, brokers, and internal departments to support the service needs of assigned Chain customers while building proficiency in procurement systems, replenishment processes, customer-specific requirements, and vendor management. The role is intended to strengthen daily execution for Chain accounts while developing the knowledge and experience needed for future advancement into a Chain Buyer role. This position is an onsite role during extended training and is not remote. After completion of training in office, hybrid remote (Office space in Lacey, WA or Modesto, CA).

Compensation

$27 - $32/per hour DOE

Benefits Summary

Essential Job Functions:

• Achieve established targets in the following KPIs in support of chain restaurant concepts:
• Fill rate – Attain a predetermined percentage of in-stock products for customer shipments.
• Inventory turns – Adjust the flow between fill rate and stock levels.
• Aged inventory – Effectively limit or reduce overstocks.
• Product spoilage – Evaluate product remaining shelf life and escalate sales concerns prior to loss.

Manage day-to-day procurement needs of assigned Chain customers, including customer-specific requirements, item maintenance, program updates, documentation, and follow-up communication in tandem with Chain Restaurant Buyer as needed. Help ensure service expectations are consistently supported across assigned customer programs.

Chain Program Documentation - Maintain accurate chain customer notes, contact lists, ordering requirements, vendor instructions, item requirements, and unique program criteria in shared locations for Purchasing team visibility and consistency.

Develop cooperative relationships with vendors, brokers, and supplier partners while supporting communication related to item setup, product availability, order confirmations, shortages, substitutions, lead times, and issue resolution. Escalate service risks or unresolved vendor issues to Purchasing Manager.

Generate, review, and maintain purchase orders for multiple warehouses within established procurement guidelines and vendor deadlines. Assist with replenishment decisions by reviewing inventory needs, economic order cycles, product requirements, and customer demand signals.

Assist with setup, procurement planning, vendor communication, and internal coordination for chain promotions, limited time offers, seasonal activity, special programs, and additional vendor or item requests from Chain Customer partners.

Support onboarding for new Chain customers by assisting with vendor setup, item setup, program requirements, ordering expectations, reporting needs, and cross-functional communication with Purchasing, Sales, Transportation, Warehouse Operations, Item/Pricing, and Finance.

Create, maintain, and distribute purchasing, inventory, vendor, customer, and program reports on daily, weekly, and monthly intervals. Build understanding of major Procurement Key Performance Indicators and use reporting to identify follow-up needs or areas of concern.

Learn and support the seasonality, demand patterns, item portfolio changes, promotional impact, and service expectations of assigned Chain customers. Use this knowledge to support purchasing decisions and communicate customer-specific needs internally.

Partner productively with Purchasing, Sales, Transportation, Warehouse Operations, Item/Pricing, Finance, and other departments to support overall company success in servicing Chain customers. Participate in cross-training to strengthen department coverage.

Continue learning Harbor procurement processes, replenishment tools, vendor communication expectations, chain account service standards, and supply chain best practices through internal training, external education, and hands-on assignments.

Complete additional assorted projects as assigned by the Purchasing Manager or Purchasing Leadership.

Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated familiarity with procurement, purchasing administration, customer service, inventory management, or supply chain support responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate customer, vendor, item, and ordering documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with internal and external partners.
• Ability to develop cooperative working relationships with vendors, brokers, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Basic analytical skills with the ability to review reports, identify exceptions, and communicate potential service or inventory concerns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite including MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS Word, MS SharePoint, Teams, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Blue Ridge, or other ERP/procurement software a plus.
• Knowledge of foodservice, convenience, grocery, CPG, or distribution industries is a plus.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize projects effectively, and follow through on time-sensitive procurement work.
• Be self-motivated to work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Foodservice Management, or other related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience in purchasing, administrative support, customer service, inventory management, foodservice, convenience, grocery, CPG, or distribution is preferred.
• Prior exposure to purchase orders, vendor communication, reporting, ERP systems, or customer account support is a plus.