Purchasing Specialist

Job DescriptionJob Description

Type: Full-Time in Santa Ana, CA

Salary: $70,000 - $85,000

Company Overview:
eJam is a leading consumer products brand incubator and holding company, specializing in direct-to-consumer e-commerce, third-party marketplaces, and retail distribution channels. We are committed to innovation, building brands and products that people love, and driving exceptional performance across multiple markets.

Position Summary:
The Purchasing Manager will manage the sourcing and procurement of raw ingredients and packaging components from global suppliers (primarily in North & South America), ensuring alignment with company goals and operational efficiency. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with proven experience in vendor management, cost optimization, and demand planning.

Experience in the CPG industry, especially in personal care and/or confectionery, is highly . This is an individual contributor role that reports to the Director of Supply Chain.

What Your Day Will Look Like:

• Supplier Collaboration: Engage in daily communication with suppliers to confirm purchase orders, track production timelines, and resolve any fulfillment or quality issues.
• Sourcing & Negotiation: Identify and evaluate suppliers for raw ingredients and packaging; negotiate pricing, payment terms, and lead times to support margin targets and supply stability.
• Inventory & Demand Planning: Analyze inventory levels, collaborate on forecasts, and plan purchases to ensure supply aligns with sales velocity and production schedules.
• Purchase Order Execution: Create and manage POs in the company’s procurement system with precision, ensuring accurate specs, quantities, and timelines.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Work closely with Product Development, Quality Control, and Demand Planning teams to ensure materials meet specifications and timelines for new launches and ongoing production.
• Problem Solving: Address supply issues such as shortages, defects, or delivery delays in coordination with QC and operations teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in procurement workflows, cost efficiency, and supplier performance.
  

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Sourcing

• Source raw ingredients and packaging materials for CPG products, with a focus on personal care and confectionery categories.
• Research and qualify new suppliers based on quality, compliance, service, and pricing.
• Manage supplier onboarding, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance evaluation.
• Monitor market trends and cost drivers for ingredients and materials.
  

Demand Planning & Inventory Management

• Collaborate with supply chain and planning teams to align purchasing activities with sales forecasts and production needs.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to avoid stockouts while minimizing excess stock.
• Support production readiness for new product launches with timely procurement of components.
  

Vendor Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and enforce compliance with contracts and company standards.
• Track and report vendor performance metrics, including lead time, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Seek opportunities to consolidate vendors and improve sourcing efficiency.
  

Process Optimization

• Recommend and implement improvements in procurement processes and tools.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field .
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or purchasing within a CPG environment.
• Hands-on experience with raw ingredient and packaging procurement is required.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in personal care and/or confectionery product sourcing.
• Skilled in demand planning, supplier negotiation, and procurement systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Comfortable communicating with Global vendors via phone/email.
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory software tools.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) .
• Must be able to work 9–6 PST in our Santa Ana office Monday through Friday
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Achieve 10% cost savings annually through negotiation and strategic sourcing
• Maintain ≥98% on-time delivery from suppliers
• Avoid stockouts on key materials by aligning procurement with demand planning
• Onboard at least 2 new qualified suppliers quarterly to diversify sourcing

Cultural Alignment:

• Collaboration: Work seamlessly with internal teams and suppliers to achieve shared objectives.
• Efficiency: Constantly seek opportunities to streamline procurement processes.
• Accountability: Take ownership of procurement outcomes and drive results that align with company goals.
• Innovation: Identify and implement innovative approaches to enhance purchasing efficiency and cost savings.

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision
• 401k Plan
• Amazing, pet-friendly, office environment
• Free drinks & snacks daily
• Be a part of a collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive work environment
• Work with a profitable, growing company in a high-growth industry