Buyer, Operations

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better.

Reporting the Materials Manager or SC Director the Buyer assists with purchasing all food products and supplies according to airline specifications and approved suppliers. Monitors days on hand to meet financial requirements, and inventory levels in the unit. Coordinates all deliveries to ensure on time delivery for daily production requirements. Monitors menus and meal cycle changes for purchasing requirements.
Supports the management of materials inventory in the unit.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Using SAP or current ERP system including Materials and Production BOMs along with customer flight schedules to determine quantities of all customer-required food, beverage, and related menu components along with Kitchen Operational Materials.

• Follows appropriate forecasting and analyzing procedures of load factor trends to determine appropriate quantities of required product purchases, and to eliminate stock overages and shortages

• Monitors inventory, usages, waste, and stock differences of materials

• Assists units in generating and establishing an accurate daily requisition system which is monitored, and maintained monthly through cycle changes for any BOM and Forecasting errors

• Audits and ensures accuracy of purchase requisitions and purchase orders

• Is responsible for posting accurate food, beverage and controllable materials inventory. 

• Follows Purchasing and Control Policies and Procedures and assures follow up on vendor forecasts, movements, and shortages

• Understands and ensures compliance with TCM regional and corporate programs, policies and product specifications

• Ensures unit maintains and reports accurate product substitution log and ensures appropriate follow up actions due to impact on materials cost

• Ensures all Monthly KPI’s are met up to an including, DOH, Food Cost, Material Controls (AVT) are met

• Consistently maintains a professional image in all relationships and interactions with suppliers, customers and other employees

• Audits requirement report to assure forecasting through the system as required.

• Assures involvement in EOM inventory Process to assure all materials are properly inventoried

• Assures cost of local materials are managed in system as access is provided.

• Performs special projects and other duties as required

Qualifications

Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent required

• College degree in related discipline or with experience in related discipline preferred

Work Experience:

• 1 to 2 years wholesale or multi-unit food purchasing experience required

• Minimum 1 year of experience in food safety control practices (GMP's, SOP's, and HACCP) and quality program control preferred

• Practical experience managing inventory and materials

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)

• General food knowledge

• Intermediate level Microsoft office tool skills (Excel, Word, Outlook)

• Strong interpersonal skills, interact well with multiple departments as required

• Excellent reading, writing, and oral communication skills

• Able to work with little supervision

• Detail oriented

• Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations a plus

  Language / Communication Skills:

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Effective listening skills

• Multi-lingual a plus

Job Dimensions

Geographic Responsibility: na

Type of Employment: Full-time

Travel %: up to 10%

Exemption Classification: Exempt

Internal Relationships: all internal departments

External Relationships: Suppliers and external customers

Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: Regular Office Environment, may spend some time working in food storerooms

Budget / Revenue Responsibility: na

Organization Structure

Direct Line Manager (Title): Mgr, Central Purchasing or General Manager

Dotted Line Manager (Title, if applicable):  na

Number of Direct Reports: 0

Number of Dotted Line Reports: 0

Estimated Total Size of Team: 1

gategroup Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

• Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills

• Engaging – Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People

• Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively

• Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.  Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.  In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.

For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

We anticipate that this job will close on:

08/16/2026

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If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!