Materials Buyer

@ Once Upon a Farm

Who You Are

You are a sourcing professional with expertise in food or CPG procurement and innovation-stage purchasing. You have experience with organic and functional ingredients and understand early-stage sourcing risks and compliance. You bring strong planning, communication, and problem-solving skills, and you are comfortable with MRP/ERP systems (SAGE X3 preferred). You thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated by purpose-driven work that contributes to childhood nutrition and a healthier planet.

The Task At Hand

The Materials Buyer reports to the Manager of Sourcing and Procurement Operations and is responsible for sourcing and procurement of organic and functional ingredients, dry goods, and proteins. The role includes ensuring technical specifications, timely delivery, and alignment with company objectives. You will collaborate with teams including Materials Management, Quality, Operations, Sustainability, and Innovation to support production continuity and new product development.

In This Role, You Will

• Source and qualify new organic functional food ingredients for innovation projects.
• Translate product briefs into actionable sourcing plans.
• Procure certified organic ingredients to meet production forecasts.
• Track and analyze landed acquisition costs to maintain optimal pricing.
• Support standard cost-setting and performance tracking against targets.
• Collaborate on purchase order execution and manage quality issue resolution.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance and compliance standards.
• Develop and implement negotiation strategies using market data.
• Partner with Innovation, Marketing, Quality, and Sustainability teams.
• Manage vendor setup in TraceGains and SAGE X3 systems.
• Communicate proactively regarding supply or quality risks.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Onboard new vendors ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

In This Role, You’ll Bring With You

• Professional experience in organic and functional food product sourcing.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in Food or CPG sourcing.
• Availability for internal meetings between 3 pm and 6 pm PST.
• Experience with fast-paced innovation timelines and early-stage sourcing risk.
• Strong analytical, planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills and cross-functional collaboration ability.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems (SAGE X3 preferred).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Up to 10% travel; though remote, occasional in-person meetings are required.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt position with an anticipated salary range of $80,000 - $100,000. Additional forms of compensation and a comprehensive benefits package are offered, including annual bonus, 401(k) with company match, remote work stipends, insurance coverages, paid time off, and more.

Who We Are

Once Upon a Farm is driven by a purpose to improve childhood nutrition and create a healthier, more equitable world. The company values innovation, sustainability, and equal opportunity, and encourages collaboration across all levels.

Key Skills/Competency

• Organic sourcing
• CPG procurement
• MRP/ERP
• SAGE X3
• Negotiation
• Supplier management
• Cost management
• Innovation
• Compliance
• Cross-functional collaboration