Purchasing Coordinator

Job Description

Job DescriptionMeals on Wheels Orange County is the largest nonprofit provider of nutrition and supportive services for at-risk older adults. It is committed to erasing hunger and loneliness for at-risk older adults through nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks, and keeping families together through day services. Through its critical services, the organization delivers nearly 2 million meals to 20,000 at-risk older adults each year throughout Central and North Orange County. Meals on Wheels Orange County is a dba of Community SeniorServ, Inc.

Hours: Mon-Fri, 5:00 am-1:30 pm
Entry Level Position: Rate varies depending on experience
Position Status: Fill Time w/ benefits
Location: Anaheim, Ca

We are excited to share the hourly range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00 per hour (Hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and experience).

JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Purchasing Specialist, this position is responsible for all purchasing and inventory management in the commercial kitchen. This position works with vendors, places orders, tracks deliveries, and reconciles invoices for all kitchen operations purchases. It also runs pull sheets to ensure each cooking area receives the ingredients needed for the daily menu from the warehouse. Also works with cook/chill and customers to ensure on-time delivery of finished products. The Purchasing Coordinator ensures that sanitation standards and requirements are met and that procedural compliance is maintained, supporting workplace safety and regulatory requirements for commercial customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Purchase approximately $3–5 million in goods annually for kitchen operations and ensure all orders meet vendor requirements to obtain optimal pricing and discounts.
2. Develop and place orders based on approved menus, including running, verifying, and correcting pull sheets in Computrition. Communicate corrections and ensure updates are accurately input before orders are finalized.
3. Manage inventory planning by running menu pull reports several days in advance, confirming required items are in-house, and immediately communicating shortages or substitution needs to leadership.
4. Monitor and maintain food, supply, and menu costs within established budgets, ensuring all menus meet cost, nutritional, and program-specific requirements.
5. Identify slow-moving or expired items monthly and report findings with recommendations for utilization when appropriate.
6. Verify daily receipts in coordination with the warehouse, resolve shortages or quality issues, and follow up with vendors as needed. Report required substitutions to accounting.
7. Negotiate pricing and service guarantees with vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliable service.
8. Coordinate purchasing, customer service needs, and menu planning for the Second Harvest School Lunch Program and any additional assigned accounts.
9. Ensure all food safety, HACCP, program-specific dietary requirements, and allergy standards are consistently followed for all products and clients.
10. Cross-train designated personnel as backup support for purchasing activities.
11. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree or one to three years’ purchasing experience in large volume food facility. Other combinations of formal education and experience will be considered.
• Must complete ServSafe Certification with a minimum score of 75 points within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must have demonstrated competency in computer applications, including Computrition and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and business acumen.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently moves throughout the work environment, including entering and exiting refrigerators and freezers, and occasionally ascending or descending stairs or ladders.
• Frequently remains in a stationary position while operating equipment, computers, or tools.
• Constantly extends and uses arms and hands to perform essential duties.
• Constantly communicates and exchanges information accurately.
• Constantly distinguishes differences or similarities in odors when meals are being prepared.
• Frequently moves or positions objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Meals on Wheels Orange County is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.

M-F 5am-1:30pm
40 per week