Associate Buyer – Merriam, KS

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YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The Associate Buyer at Seaboard Foods supports procurement and inventory operations by partnering with the senior procurement team to ensure the efficient and timely sourcing of goods and services. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, collaborative, and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced supply chain environment. The Associate Buyer will also contribute to vendor management, cost analysis, and continuous improvement projects that drive value for the organization.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Kansas City’s Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the full purchase order life cycle from creation and approval through delivery, receipt, and use, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance throughout the process.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to meet operational and production needs.
• Communicate proactively with suppliers to track order status, confirm delivery schedules, resolve issues, and support performance improvement.
• Conduct market research and analyze purchasing data to identify new suppliers, products, and sourcing opportunities that improve cost, quality, and efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure supply continuity and alignment with business objectives.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and special projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, a related field; or equivalent work experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 20% as needed

Preferred:

• 1+ year of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or a related internship
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer goods supply chain
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., JDE) and procurement software
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and trends

SCHEDULE

• Monday – Friday; 8am – 5pm or as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Primarily an office environment with some need to work in the field.
• The noise level in the work environment is dependent on which environment you are in.
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.