Buyer / Production Planner

At Global Market Foods (GMF), we have united eight industry-leading importers and distributors under one dynamic company with a shared mission: to deliver authentic, high-quality international foods that honor global culinary traditions. With decades of experience, each GMF division plays a vital role in preserving the heritage and flavors of the regions they represent: Ziyad Brothers – Leaders in Middle Eastern specialty foods Global Choice Foods – Experts in South Asian and Indian products Vintage Foods – Providers of Turkish and European specialties Indo-European Foods – Trusted source for European specialty products Sunburst Foods – Specialists in African and Caribbean foods Sahadi Fine Foods – Pioneers in Middle Eastern specialty products Asli Fine Foods – Purveyors of authentic South Asian and Middle Eastern staples UBC Distributors – Distributors of premium global food brands Together, we offer an extensive portfolio of over 7,000 products across 8 divisions, meeting the growing demand for diverse, global flavors. GMF is committed to providing customers with unparalleled access to authentic international brands, exceptional service, and innovative food solutions. With a deep respect for culinary traditions and a passion for excellence, we continue to expand our reach, ensuring the rich flavors of the world are always within reach. At GMF, our culture is rooted in family values—supporting our teams with the same dedication we bring to our business. As we enter a period of rapid growth and transformation, we are seeking a (Buyer / Production Planner) to help drive our vision forward and contribute to our continued success. Job Description Analyze historical sales data, seasonality patterns, and market trends to forecast demand across product categories and warehouse locations Create and maintain purchasing plans and inventory targets aligned with sales forecasts and business goals Monitor inventory levels in real-time using Tableau dashboards and recommend actions to reduce stockouts, overstock, and excess inventory Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers across multiple divisions; negotiate pricing, terms, MOQs, and delivery timelines Assess supplier performance against agreed-upon metrics (quality, on-time delivery, responsiveness) and manage scorecards Identify supply chain risks (supplier concentration, capacity constraints, geopolitical factors) and recommend mitigation strategies Place purchase orders in a timely manner and follow up on order status, delivery dates, and any exceptions Create and release production work orders based on the production schedule, sales forecasts, and inventory targets; confirm bills of materials and quantities before release Plan and purchase packaging materials and raw components required for work orders, timing orders so materials arrive ahead of scheduled production Monitor availability of raw components and packaging against open work orders; flag shortages early and recommend resolutions (expedites, substitutions, schedule changes) Manage the flow of production, tracking work order status from release through completion and adjusting schedules as priorities and material availability change Work closely with the Operations Manager to align production schedules, labor and line capacity, and material readiness, and to resolve issues that affect output Track production-related KPIs (work order completion and schedule attainment, material shortages, packaging and component inventory levels) Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to investigate and maintain FSVP compliance & current certifications, coordinate corrective actions, and track supplier follow-up Monitor regulatory requirements and flag compliance risks early; support supplier audits and corrective action tracking Monitor supplier budgets and spending; identify cost optimization opportunities (consolidation, alternative suppliers, contract renegotiation) Prepare regular performance reports (weekly purchase order status, supplier scorecards, inventory metrics, cost variance analysis) Track KPIs (fill rates, on-time delivery, cost per unit, weeks of supply, supplier compliance rate) and recommend improvements Partner with Sales to understand demand drivers and market opportunities; align procurement with growth initiatives Work with Sourcing, Operations, and Quality to resolve supply chain issues Work Experience Requirements for This Role 3+ years of experience in procurement, supply planning, category management, or related field Strong knowledge of supply chain procedures, inventory management, and forecasting principles. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis) Ability to interpret data, spot trends, and make data-driven recommendations Strong attention to detail; excellent organizational and time-management skills Clear verbal and written communication; ability to collaborate effectively across functions Knowledge of food import, food safety regulations (FSVP, FDA), or willingness to learn quickly Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment Preferred Qualifications Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or other BI/analytics tools Familiarity with AI-driven forecasting, predictive analytics, or demand planning tools Category management experience or management of multiple product categories across suppliers Experience with FSVP compliance, supplier audits, or food safety certifications Procurement system experience (ERP, MRP, or procurement platforms) Background in specialty foods, food imports, or international supply chains Schedule Days: (flexibility on weekends if required) Hours: (flexibility as needed) Work Location: Bolingbrook, IL Benefits 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Global Market Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer