Global Senior Buyer - Raw Materials

Title of Role: Global Senior Buyer

Department: Sourcing

East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Global Senior Buyer to join our Sourcing team to do the complex work of sourcing botanicals, spices, extracts, and flavors around the world.

The Global Senior Buyer is responsible for managing strategic partnerships with ethically and sustainably aligned partners and contracting for direct raw materials for both the United States (US) and Europe (EU) based operations. This role optimizes transparency within our supply chains while delivering high quality raw materials within a manufacturing environment. In compliance with the sourcing strategy, the role will develop long term strategic sourcing initiatives, maintain critical global supplier relationships, and ensure regulatory compliance in both US and EU.

WHO WE ARE:

We are the well-being company that exists to inspire and enhance everyday life through trust and good will. Our guiding principles, beliefs, and philosophies shape our identity. They are the essence of our culture and define how we do what we do.

We are Intentional - we choose to lead with positive intent. Mindful - we are present and aware of how we show up in the world. People - we value and respect all people and communities. Authentic - we are real and transparent with everything we do. Committed - we are committed to quality products while sustaining our planet. Trust - we consistently align our words with our actions.

OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU:

• We have exceptional wellbeing-focused benefits including health, dental, vision and alternative care, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, company picnics, social activities, and a surprise every so often! Who doesn't love a surprise?
• This position is located in Eugene, Oregon with a work from home option that provides the opportunity to work outside the office up to two days per week.
• As a certified B Corp, we're a company that lives our values every day.
• We work in a LEED certified facility which prioritizes the planet in our daily operations and optimizes our employee experience while at work.
• We prioritize sustainability as a business by embedding it into our values, our strategic priorities, our decision-making, and our resource allocations.
• Our Nourish Market provides employees subsidized healthy lunch and snack options.
• We commit to our purpose in every aspect of our culture.
• We have employees that are committed to "Doing Good" in our community and around the world.
• We are a growing company with products that customers love.
• We believe in investing in you and your growth and development.

WHAT YOU'LL OWN:

Sustainable Sourcing 40% of time

• Collaborate directly with global buyers and directors to align and execute global sourcing strategy
• Lead, create, and implement the global sourcing strategies for assigned ingredients and be able to take on complex or high-risk sourcing activities
• Source raw materials from origin and/or through intermediaries through in-depth analysis of market trends, careful risk assessments of supply chains, logical examination of the economic opportunity, and skillful knowledge of regulatory environment in the US and EU for all materials in portfolio
• Travel to origin as needed to support sourcing and sustainability initiatives

Operational Buying 40% of time

• Supports the production facility in ensuring optimal inventory levels are maintained and any shortages are anticipated and mitigated with urgency
• Drive continuous improvement within technical quality parameters and supplier performance metrics with special regard for delivery performance
• Manage the logistics process to ensure all documentation control is in place and coordination where needed with external logistic partners

Cross Functional and Team Collaboration 20% of time

• Engage and lead cross functionally to support development, commercialization, and special projects for US operations
• Establish, nurture, and develop partnerships with stakeholders laterally and vertically across the organization

WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in agriculture, business or related field, and/or 5+ years of relevant work experience in a sourcing role
• CPSM, APICS or industry relevant equivalent
• Experience in Consumer Packaging Good (CPG)
• Organic food, beverage or dietary supplement experience preferred
• Botanical buying experience or knowledge required
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint and ERP systems

YOU'LL BE A GREAT FIT:

• Strong critical thinking ability to navigate and solve complex problems
• Solid work ethic, self-starter, and result-oriented
• Natural ability to develop strong, trusting relationships
• Enjoys collaborating with cross-functional partners
• Responsible and a high degree of ownership
• Thrives in an ever-changing work environment
• Effectively managing a multitude of work responsibilities
• Balances attention to detail and swift execution

WHAT WE DO:

We manufacture Yogi and Choice Organics brand products. Yogi has over 40 tea blends made from 140 exotic spices and botanicals sourced from 100% non-GMO growers around the globe. These herbal, green, and black teas are formulated for delicious taste and healthful benefits. Choice Organics offers a collection of organic traditional tea, herbal tea, and unique, flavorful organic tea blends. Choice teas are sourced exclusively from 100% organic and non-GMO growers around the world and are beautifully balanced to perfection for a full-flavored taste experience.

East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each person's individuality and unique talents. We honor diversity and inclusion. The strength of our people and our guiding principles contribute to East West Tea's leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.