Food & Complementary Products Buyer

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team. We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

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OVERVIEW

At Lavazza North America, the Food & Complementary Products Buyer will be responsible for supporting a procurement category within the products & materials category area.  This involves collaborating with the Sr. Manager and relevant stakeholders to understand internal business needs and overall procurement objectives, targets and supporting a defining category management strategy.  The candidate has responsibility for the operational management of ingredient suppliers and some elements of strategic management of spend for ingredients to support our beverages and complementary products.   

Furthermore, this role will be responsible for maintaining supplier relationships, contracting, and overseeing purchase-to-pay processes of the category.  Ensuring suppliers are food compliant and adhering to all FDA regulations as well as supporting internal standards. This role requires keeping track of KPIs, Business Reviews and metrics to assess budget vs actual spending progress and providing reports to senior management.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with Senior Manager and relevant stakeholders (i.e.., Project Managers, Planning, Operations, R&D) to have a clear understanding of new product development projects to meet department and business timelines needs while working within the framework of project gates, liaison with suppliers, objective of the teams, and securing financial targets.
• Ensure compliance to food regulations, maintains procurement practices both internal and external to meet standards, collaborating with Compliance monitor changing regulatory requirements related to sourcing, sustainability, fair trade, labor practices, product, and food safety.
• Manage supplier sourcing activities by scouting suppliers outside of the ASL for new innovations for product development and co-manufacturing opportunities.  
• Execute the approved sourcing strategy for the category by assessing supplier’s capabilities, evaluate market conditions, submit RFI’s to probe core competencies and work with the technical teams to define the SOW’s and evaluate supplier capabilities for successful bidding and awards.
• Experience writing and negotiating contract terms, working with internal teams and management to ensure terms meet the needs of the current and future business strategies. 
• Evaluate indexes and reviewing spend reports to determine risks, current and future states of category, gain insights in terms of industry dynamics and trends, market size, and supplier analysis.  
• Responsible to benchmark costs by quoting with multiple suppliers while understanding the price drivers to influence requirements and specifications internally and externally. 
• Partner closely with R&D Sensory and stakeholders in enhancing the propositions for the ingredient supply for Lavazza. 
• Oversees Purchase-to-Pay processes of the category, ensuring compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, and priorities, orders are completed timely and accurately, effective purchase orders lifecycle management including eventual amendments and or cancellations. 
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payments to suppliers.
• Support the Planning and Demand function as the liaison with suppliers to ensure adherence to the short and long-term schedules. Logistics and SQA in setting and monitoring improvement programs for the suppliers in terms of quality, cost, and delivery. Finance for invoice reconciliation and Engineering.
• Initiate quotes and monitor key performance indicators through purchasing platforms such as Bravo Solutions, Ariba or similar system to initiate quotes and monitor key performance indicators.  
• Performs other related duties and assignments as required.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA a plus
• 5+ years of years of successful experience in food or beverage industry.
• Financial acumen to understand business needs for savings, ROI’s, working capital, and profitability.
• Experience with ERP and MRP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple product lines in support of the Flavia and Lavazza brand. 
• Excellent organization, prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment in interacting with internal customers and external suppliers. 
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• An eagerness to learn, personable demeanor, and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively amongst colleagues, and across all levels of management.

PHYSICAL/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 10% travel within the United States

BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 
• 401K Package 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
• Hybrid Work Schedule 
• Ability to be barista certified
• Monthly Lunches provided by Lavazza
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans 
• Employee Discounts 
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly! 
• Free coffee, anytime!

 
Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.