Procurement is a fundamental component of Tovala’s business model. Buyers are responsible for ensuring that we receive all raw ingredients and packaging in a timely manner so that production runs smoothly each week. This individual will work directly within the Purchasing & Procurement team, and cross functionally with Production, FSQA, Culinary, and Menu teams to coordinate on time and in full deliveries, while also managing and executing highly detailed sourcing projects.

How you will spend your time at Tovala

• Initiate and deliver short and long term sourcing strategies, with a focus on fresh produce, proteins and core food ingredients as well as packaging.
• Develop and implement procurement projects to deliver added value, new ingredient and packaging opportunities, cost savings and quality improvements.
• Review demand requirements to manage short and long term purchasing needs, working with the Inventory and Menu teams to avoid wastage and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Provide forecasts to vendors to stay ahead of any potential shortages and service or quality volatility within the supply chain.
• Identify challenges and provide solutions to mitigate interruptions in product acquisition.
• Work with the Director of Procurement to secure secondary or even tertiary suppliers for high risk, essential ingredients and packaging items.
• Communicate shortages or delays in product arrival that would affect the production schedule. Strategize the recovery plan to expedite or fill-in elsewhere.
• Execute and maintain a vendor performance rating system - monitor and evaluate vendor performance using key attributes (on-time/complete delivery, adherence to specifications, etc).
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, working with the Procurement Director to identify and develop processes for efficiency and value improvements.

About you

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, and can prioritize business needs while managing multiple supply chains and priorities. You have strong project management experience, leading the initiation and execution of high value sourcing projects, with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• You enjoy working within a high functioning team, as well as cross functionally within the organization.
• You have the ability to manage multiple vendors through different channels.
• You have strong negotiation skills and have a proven history of balancing stakeholder interests and expectations while holding vendors accountable and driving value across the supply chain. 
• You have the ability to think and act critically about processes and supply chain systems with a focus on continuous improvement in value, innovation and cost savings, while staying ahead of market trends.
• You have strong problem solving and planning skills, and display the ability to think proactively and strategically to provide solutions in advance of challenges.
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills.

Requirements

• 5+ years in a procurement role, experience in fresh food delivery preferred.
• Proven experience in the procurement and project management functions, with success in driving value through cost savings, process and quality improvements, and product diversification. 
• Experience in the protein or packaging industry is favorable. 
• Ability to use MSOffice, Google Suites (Drive, Sheets, Docs, etc.) to follow and create efficient and transparent electronic tools for demand planning on materials and packaging.

Compensation and Benefits

• Tovala uses market data, geography, and placement of internal employees to determine salary. Additionally, we offer all employees real ownership in the company in the form of a competitive equity package.
• Unlimited paid time off (with a minimum of 15 days off you HAVE to take) (change if hourly or production)
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage we really invest in401k with match
• Free Tovala Smart Oven and discounted Tovala meals Paid holidays and our winter holiday office shutdown where the offices and facilities close for a week around Christmas and New Years
• Various other perks - recognition programs, continued learning stipend, casual dress code, in-office coffee, snacks and drinks, and Tovala swag