Purchasing Coordinator

Purchasing Coordinator

Meals on Wheels Orange County is the largest nonprofit provider of nutrition and supportive services for at-risk older adults. It is committed to erasing hunger and loneliness for at-risk older adults through nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks, and keeping families together through day services. Through its critical services, the organization delivers nearly 2 million meals to 20,000 at-risk older adults each year throughout Central and North Orange County. Meals on Wheels Orange County is a dba of Community SeniorServ, Inc.

Hours: Mon-Fri, 5:00 am-1:30 pm Entry Level Position: Rate varies depending on experience Position Status: Fill Time w/ benefits Location: Anaheim, Ca We are excited to share the hourly range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00 per hour (Hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and experience).

Job Summary: Reporting to the Senior Director of Food Operations and Sales, this position is responsible for all purchasing and inventory management in the commercial kitchen. This position works with vendors, places orders, tracks delivery and reconciles invoices for all kitchen operation purchases, runs pull sheets to ensure each cooking area receives from the warehouse the ingredients needed for the menu produced daily. Also works with cook/chill and customers to ensure on-time delivery of finished products. The Purchasing Coordinator ensures that proper sanitation standards and requirements are met and ensures procedural compliance, which supports workplace safety and regulatory requirements for commercial customers.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Purchase approximately $35 million in goods annually for kitchen operations and ensure all orders meet vendor requirements to obtain optimal pricing and discounts.
• Develop and place orders based on approved menus, and run, verify, and correct pull sheets in Computrition. Communicate corrections and ensure updates are accurately input before orders are finalized.
• Manage inventory planning by running menu pull reports several days in advance, confirming required items are in-house, and immediately communicating shortages or substitution needs to leadership.
• Monitor and maintain food, supply, and menu costs within established budgets, ensuring all menus meet cost, nutritional, and program-specific requirements.
• Identify slow-moving or expired items monthly and report findings with recommendations for utilization when appropriate.
• Verify daily receipts in coordination with the warehouse, resolve shortages or quality issues, and follow up with vendors as needed. Report required substitutions to accounting.
• Negotiate pricing and service guarantees with vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliable service.
• Coordinate purchasing, customer service needs, and menu planning for the Second Harvest School Lunch Program and any additional assigned accounts.
• Ensure all food safety, HACCP, program-specific dietary requirements, and allergy standards are consistently followed for all products and clients.
• Cross-train designated personnel as backup support for purchasing activities.
• Complete additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Education, Experience And Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or one to three years' purchasing experience in large volume food facility. Other combination of formal education and experience will be considered.
• Must successfully complete ServSafe Certification with a minimum score of 75 points within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must have demonstrated competency in computer applications, including Computrition and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written, oral communication skills, and business acumen.

Physical Job Requirements:

• Constantly remains in a stationary position and traverses locations.
• Constantly operates equipment, computers, or tools.
• Constantly extends body, arms or hands as needed to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
• Occasionally ascends/descends and positions self as needed to complete essential duties and responsibilities.
• Constantly speaks, communicates, interprets or exchanges information accurately.
• Constantly perceives objects over moderate or long distances, with or without accommodation.
• Constantly distinguishes differences or similarities in intensity or quality of odors when preparing meals for program participants.
• Frequently moves, transports, and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Meals on Wheels Orange County is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.