POSITION: Procurement Protein Buyer - Onsite

Now Hiring

Procurement Protein Buyer

Ferndale, WA – **Must live in the greater Seattle area.

Our quality products have a heritage dating back to the early 1800’s at the Hempler’s family sausage kitchen in Borken, Germany. Hans Hempler worked in the family sausage business in Germany as a youngster. He served as an apprentice sausage maker and learned first-hand the family’s old secret recipes becoming a master sausage maker before moving to the United States. Hans came to the United States in 1928 and, in those early years, worked hard and saved his money. It is our mission, and passion, to produce and distribute the highest quality products, while operating with the highest integrity and standards for personalized service to our customers. We strive to achieve these results by purchasing high quality ingredients and by employing passionate people, training them well, and developing an extended “family” of employees dedicated to accomplishing our mission.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Procurement Meat Buyer is an onsite position responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing meat products and related raw materials for the food manufacturing plant. This role ensures a consistent supply of high-quality meat at competitive prices while maintaining compliance with food safety standards, supplier agreements, and company policies.

WAGE: $90,000.00 – $100,00.00 annually, subject to all required taxes and withholdings.

RELOCATION: None

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
  • Identify and develop relationships with reliable meat suppliers and vendors.
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to optimize cost and quality.
  • Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks.
• Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure all purchased meat products meet company specifications, regulatory requirements, and food safety standards (e.g., USDA, HACCP).
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance teams to resolve any quality issues.
• Inventory & Supply Management
  • Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production schedules.
  • Coordinate with production and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Cost Control & Reporting
  • Track and analyze procurement costs, identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, supplier performance, and market conditions.
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations.
  • Develop long-term partnerships to secure reliable supply and favorable terms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3 years of experience in meat procurement
• Experience working within and extracting data from ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong knowledge of meat products, industry standards, and food safety regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Understanding market trends, commodity prices, and economic factors affecting supply chains and procurement decisions.
• Comprehensive understanding of supply chain processes, including sourcing, logistics, inventory management, and distribution.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
• Proficiency in financial principles related to procurement, such as budgeting, cost analysis, and financial risk management.
• Familiarity with industry-specific regulations, environmental standards, and government policies to ensure compliance with all procurement activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ethical sourcing practices (a plus).
• Must have initiative, be a self-starter, and able to work in a demanding, high-stress environment, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Able to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations.
• Able to work cooperatively with others as well as independently.
• Proven ability to develop effective work plans and priorities to meet business and customer objectives.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with key internal customers and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and evaluate potential suppliers to meet organizational needs.
• Proficiency in negotiating contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Expertise in developing and implementing cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality standards.
• Skill in developing and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability and performance.
• Ability to analyze data, market trends, and supplier performance to inform procurement decisions.
• Competence in managing inventory levels to balance supply with demand and avoid shortages or excess stock.
• Ensuring all purchased materials meet required quality and safety standards through close collaboration with the Quality Assurance team.
• Knowledge of industry standards and governmental regulations to ensure compliance with procurement and recordkeeping.
• Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems, and other relevant tools to streamline operations.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address and resolve procurement-related issues effectively.

ABOUT HEMPLER: We offer a creative environment filled with other talented people. We are committed to rewarding our teammates for their hard work, enthusiasm, and professional excellence. Company perks include:

BENEFITS:

• Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Annual bonus 10%
• 10 Paid holidays, generous paid time off.
• 401K
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Plan
• Employee Discount

TO APPLY: Hempler’s Food Group is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Hempler’s Food Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veterans’ status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact us at 1-866-477-4144.