Oregon Freeze Dry
Buyer III
This exciting opportunity is offered by Oregon Freeze Dry, makers of Mountain House. Oregon Freeze Dry is a World Class, purpose-driven technology solutions company with six decades of freeze-drying expertise. We find inspiration in our ability to create solutions, through the science and craft of freeze drying or lyophilization, that improve the lives of individuals and communities around the globe. Our driven and passionate team needs to expand, as we continue to experience sustainable growth across multiple markets. This position is responsible for building strong supplier relationships and strategic partnerships that align OFD's business objectives. The Buyer III evaluates and analyzes suppliers to guide selection and management, while continuously reviewing agreements and qualifications to ensure consistent pricing, quality and reliability. Main aspects of the role include: Strategic Foresight & Vision Alignment: Anticipates internal and external trends, helping the organization adapt and stay aligned with long-term objectives. Maintains a forward-looking perspective and inspires others to translate vision into actionable outcomes. Contract & Supplier Management: Leads the negotiation and management of major material contracts and supply agreements, ensuring adherence to terms, lead times, and delivery schedules. Proactively initiates and manages the RFP process in alignment with market timing and raw material seasonality. Market Intelligence & Risk Mitigation: Leverages industry insights and market conditions to inform internal stakeholders about material cost and availability. Develops and implements strategies to mitigate supply chain risks. Strategic Risk-Taking: Identifies high-impact opportunities to drive meaningful results, while understanding and managing potential risks. Operational Reporting & Issue Resolution: Contributes to weekly Level 10 Meetings by preparing and analyzing key reports, updating dashboards, and raising current issues for timely resolution. Professional Development & Networking: Actively engages in continuing education through organizations such as ISM, APICS, or equivalent, and participates in industry networking to stay current with best practices. Process Improvement & Change Leadership: Champions continuous improvement initiatives using structured change management methodologies. Facilitates adoption of new processes and encourages innovative problem-solving across the team. A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field. 6+ years of purchasing experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment. Experience in food manufacturing is a plus, especially with a focus on meat and poultry purchasing. Knowledge of inventory management and control theories, along with a solid understanding of general manufacturing processes and procedures. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret cost, quality, and inventory data to identify improvement opportunities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP systems. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners. Professional certification such as ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent is preferred.
This exciting opportunity is offered by Oregon Freeze Dry, makers of Mountain House. Oregon Freeze Dry is a World Class, purpose-driven technology solutions company with six decades of freeze-drying expertise. We find inspiration in our ability to create solutions, through the science and craft of freeze drying or lyophilization, that improve the lives of individuals and communities around the globe. Our driven and passionate team needs to expand, as we continue to experience sustainable growth across multiple markets. This position is responsible for building strong supplier relationships and strategic partnerships that align OFD's business objectives. The Buyer III evaluates and analyzes suppliers to guide selection and management, while continuously reviewing agreements and qualifications to ensure consistent pricing, quality and reliability. Main aspects of the role include: Strategic Foresight & Vision Alignment: Anticipates internal and external trends, helping the organization adapt and stay aligned with long-term objectives. Maintains a forward-looking perspective and inspires others to translate vision into actionable outcomes. Contract & Supplier Management: Leads the negotiation and management of major material contracts and supply agreements, ensuring adherence to terms, lead times, and delivery schedules. Proactively initiates and manages the RFP process in alignment with market timing and raw material seasonality. Market Intelligence & Risk Mitigation: Leverages industry insights and market conditions to inform internal stakeholders about material cost and availability. Develops and implements strategies to mitigate supply chain risks. Strategic Risk-Taking: Identifies high-impact opportunities to drive meaningful results, while understanding and managing potential risks. Operational Reporting & Issue Resolution: Contributes to weekly Level 10 Meetings by preparing and analyzing key reports, updating dashboards, and raising current issues for timely resolution. Professional Development & Networking: Actively engages in continuing education through organizations such as ISM, APICS, or equivalent, and participates in industry networking to stay current with best practices. Process Improvement & Change Leadership: Champions continuous improvement initiatives using structured change management methodologies. Facilitates adoption of new processes and encourages innovative problem-solving across the team. A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field. 6+ years of purchasing experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment. Experience in food manufacturing is a plus, especially with a focus on meat and poultry purchasing. Knowledge of inventory management and control theories, along with a solid understanding of general manufacturing processes and procedures. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret cost, quality, and inventory data to identify improvement opportunities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP systems. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners. Professional certification such as ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent is preferred.