Sr. Buyer

Company Overview

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact.

With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high‑quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the replenishment and buying activities for their assigned categories and supports multiple manufacturing sites. This individual works collaboratively with all Synergy departments and external suppliers to ensure a smooth flow of inbound raw materials for production. The individual leads sourcing activities for their assigned categories. The ideal candidate will have relevant procurement experience in consumer‑packaged goods, or a food ingredient manufacturing setting.

The Senior Buyer will manage approximately $10M annual spend across categories that include essential oils, food chemicals, yeast, vegetables and spices, essence & extracts, animal proteins, colors, preservatives & processing aids, etc. The career path next step of the Senior Buyer is to progress to the Purchasing Manager’s role taking on categories of greater spend and complexity.

• Inventory management, sourcing, replenishment planning & execution. Ensures a steady supply of raw materials to meet production needs. Understands underlying commodity markets that affect the assigned categories. Leads sourcing activities including RFP execution, analysis, negotiations, supplier selection, contracting, implementation, ongoing category management and contractual compliance.
• Cost management. Responsible for Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and meeting budget expectations and productivity targets.
• Stakeholder support and alignment. Creates and maintains collaborative relationships internally and externally.
• Supports key growth initiatives. Understands supplier capabilities & capacity plans.
• Demonstrates corporate responsibility. Adheres to policies & complies with business code of conduct.

• Applied knowledge of Sourcing & Replenishment Processes and Negotiation Skills.
• Demonstrated Drive for Results, Sense of Urgency and Creative Problem Solving.
• Professional maturity, high ethical standards. Takes ownership and is accountable.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration skills to understand and work effectively with peers in the organization.

• Bachelor’s Degree required, with APICS and CPSM certification a plus.
• Minimum of 5+ years procurement experience. Experience in ingredients, food or beverage is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Procurement Processes:
  Sourcing, Materials Replenishment Process, Optimization, Negotiating, Contracting and Commodity Management.
• Understanding of manufacturing environment and related supply chain functions.
• Business & Financial Acumen.
• Strong Excel and data analytics skills.
• Knowledge of ERP Systems a must with Microsoft AX D365 ERP System strongly preferred.

Estimated Travel:

Salary Range: $76,000.00 to $

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Office

Location:

Wauconda, Illinois

Reporting to: Director of Procurement

The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.

For more information on our benefits .

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams.

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets.

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.