Assistant Buyer

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. is America's favorite candy company, manufacturing and selling some of the world's most popular confectionery brands. Beginning in a modest New York candy store with the Tootsie Roll's introduction in 1896, the Chicago-based company has grown to become one of the country's largest candy companies, with operations throughout North America and with distribution channels in more than 75 countries.

The Tootsie brands resonate strongly among every age group, culture, and demographic; for every occasion and event; and during every economic climate, qualifying them as truly enduring, iconic American confections. For more information, visit

• Education
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or equivalent years of experience.

• Professional Experience
  :
  Minimum 3 years relevant Procurement or Supply Chain experience.

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  :
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate and influence within all levels of the organization including direct peers and senior leadership.
• Microsoft Office, Oracle software and Microsoft Windows operating system experience a must. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, in particular VLOOKUP function and Pivot Tables. Ability to navigate the Windows file system.
• Ability to run reports in Oracle and export to Excel.
• Flexible and able to prioritize according to operational needs.
• Ability to learn and adapt to changing business needs over time. Job description may evolve along with the overall business.

• Order assigned MRO requirements for TRI and Sweets Mix plants from authorized requisitions. Generate purchase orders with appropriate terms and conditions.
• Source materials for best pricing per Tootsie Roll’s corporate procurement policy. Ensure competitive bidding on appropriate purchases.
• Support the Tool Crib to request quotes when needed.
• Source new MRO vendors when needed.
• Negotiate terms of purchase with vendors as appropriate, i.e. delivery time, payment terms, freight terms.
• Expedite critical purchases.
• Follow up with vendors on orders placed. Track and log orders from confirmation to receiving the goods.
• Work with Tool Crib to initiate bills of lading for items returned to suppliers, and to follow up on claims for shortages and/or incorrect shipments.
• Oversee the maintenance of necessary records (warranties, specifications, detailed drawings as needed).
• Participate in or lead specific initiatives in MRO, when requested by management.
• Promptly clear blocked invoices on the “Matching Holds Report” for price and/or receipt problems.

• Manage and track corporate indirect materials cost-savings projects.
• Develop and manage supplier scorecards.
• Analyze and report monthly PPV (Purchase Price Variance) for direct materials.
• Calculate and report monthly cost savings for Purchasing Department
• Perform periodic RFPs (Request for Proposals) for minor category suppliers such as pallets, uniforms, and shipping supplies.
• Manage supplier relationships for assigned minor category suppliers such as uniforms and shipping supplies.
• Encourage and report on compliance with MRO preferred suppliers strategy among local plant buyers.
• Quote out new Marketing-driven projects with existing and new suppliers in support of Purchasing Managers.
• Develop and perform periodic reporting for Purchasing department to include Supplier Delivery Performance, Supplier Quality Performance, Supplier Purchase Data, etc.
• Assist Purchasing Managers in performing spend analytics in support of periodic bids.
• Maintain excellent relationships with suppliers and Company departments to assure a high level of cooperation and service.
• Operate in accordance with Tootsie Roll policies.
• Perform all duties in accordance with Tootsie Roll’s Food Safety and Quality Policy and Programs to ensure compliance with Regulatory Requirements, HACCP, GMPs, and SQF.
• Work constructively within the Purchasing team.
• Represent the Company and Department in a professional manner in all internal and external dealings.
• Perform such other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Purchasing Management.