Senior Buyer at Sysco: Drive Success in Foodservice Distribution

Are you a skilled procurement professional with a passion for food and a knack for negotiation? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your decisions directly impact the success of a leading global company? If so, a Senior Buyer role at Sysco could be the perfect fit for you. As the world's largest foodservice distributor, Sysco plays a critical role in the supply chain, connecting producers with restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and more. A Senior Buyer is at the heart of this operation, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective procurement of high-quality products.

Role Overview

The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing assigned commodities, which includes pricing, procuring product, maintaining quality, and managing inventory levels. This role demands a strategic thinker with excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills. The Senior Buyer must stay abreast of market trends, understand supply chain dynamics, and build strong relationships with suppliers to secure the best possible deals for Sysco and its customers.

A Day in the Life of a Senior Buyer

Each day as a Senior Buyer at Sysco is dynamic and presents new challenges. Here's a glimpse into the typical activities you might undertake:

• Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management: Analyze sales data, market trends, and promotional activities to determine daily product needs and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Order Placement and Truck Building: Place orders with suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, and build efficient truck loading plans to minimize transportation costs.
• Problem Solving and Issue Resolution: Manage troubled loads, process protections and credits for damaged goods, and address any issues that arise in the supply chain.
• Pricing Strategy and Analysis: Participate in weekly pricing meetings to analyze market conditions, evaluate competitor pricing, and develop strategies to maximize profitability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a liaison between the sales staff and the procurement department, facilitating communication, resolving issues, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, evaluate their performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Market Monitoring: Monitor market trends and conditions to identify potential purchasing opportunities and risks.

Why Bensenville, Illinois?

Bensenville, Illinois, offers a strategic location for a Sysco corporate office, providing access to a large and diverse talent pool, excellent transportation infrastructure, and a thriving business environment. Located near O'Hare International Airport, Bensenville facilitates easy access to both domestic and international markets, crucial for a global company like Sysco. The area also boasts a lower cost of living compared to downtown Chicago, making it an attractive location for employees.

Career Path

Sysco is committed to the growth and development of its employees. The Senior Buyer role can be a stepping stone to various leadership positions within the procurement and supply chain departments. Potential career paths include:

• Category Manager: Oversee the procurement strategy for a specific product category.
• Procurement Manager: Lead a team of buyers and manage the overall procurement process.
• Supply Chain Manager: Manage the entire supply chain, from sourcing to distribution.
• Director of Procurement: Develop and implement procurement strategies for the entire organization.

Salary and Benefits

Sysco offers a competitive salary and benefits package that is designed to attract and retain top talent. The compensation range for the Senior Buyer position is estimated to be $75,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Prescription drug coverage
• Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support
• Wellness programs to promote employee health and well-being
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development
• Employee discounts on Sysco products and services

Sysco Culture

Sysco is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. The company fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. Sysco is also dedicated to giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives.

How to Apply

If you are a qualified and motivated individual who is looking for a challenging and rewarding career, we encourage you to apply for the Senior Buyer position at Sysco. To apply, please visit the Sysco careers website and submit your resume and cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Senior Buyer at Sysco? The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing assigned commodities, including pricing, procuring product, maintaining quality, and managing inventory levels.
2. What qualifications are required for this role? A high school degree or equivalent is required, and a college degree is preferred. 3 to 5 years of purchasing experience in a related field and 2 years of experience in produce-related purchasing are also required.
3. What skills are essential for success in this role? Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
4. What is the typical career path for a Senior Buyer at Sysco? The Senior Buyer role can be a stepping stone to various leadership positions within the procurement and supply chain departments, such as Category Manager, Procurement Manager, or Supply Chain Manager.
5. What is the salary range for this position? The compensation range for the Senior Buyer position is estimated to be $75,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
6. What benefits does Sysco offer? Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and employee discounts.
7. What is the company culture like at Sysco? Sysco is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
8. How does Sysco support employee growth and development? Sysco offers various professional development and training programs to help employees advance their careers.
9. What opportunities are there to give back to the community at Sysco? Sysco is dedicated to giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives.
10. How can I apply for the Senior Buyer position at Sysco? To apply, please visit the Sysco careers website and submit your resume and cover letter.