Food Warehouse Purchasing Specialist Food Service Department #3813

FOOD WAREHOUSE PURCHASING SPECIALIST

PURPOSE

Under direction exercises independent judgement to arrange for the purchase delivery and inventory of food supplies and equipment to the Food and Nutrition Services Department; performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION

Reports to: Warehouse and Operations Manager

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Acquires information from vendors of food and supplies
• Reviews inventory levels menus recipes and participation reports to prepare detailed and complex forecasts of all food and food supply purchasing needs
• Reviews purchasing forecasts weekly with Warehouse and Operations Manager to ensure accuracy
• Places weekly orders with vendors for food and supplies
• Creates monthly order guides for schools based on menus and grade level
• Assists Warehouse and Operations Manager and Clerks with review of School Site orders to ensure accuracy
• Assists in the review of monthly inventory for both the Food and Nutrition Warehouse and School Sites
• Logs invoices and receives Warehouse orders using Inventory Software system
• Reads and reconciles various invoices and statements from vendors
• Works with Purchasing Department to create Purchasing Requisitions Purchasing Orders and Change Orders for food and supplies
• Works with Food and Nutrition Director to prepare product speculations and estimate Department usage for both formal and informal procurement
• Obtains price quotations from approved vendors for food and supplies
• Tracks vendor contact information using Inventory Software
• Working with other Food and Nutrition Services staff sets up new inventory items in Inventory Software system
• Participates in regular Department meetings including menu planning
• Assists the Food and Nutrition Director and Warehouse and Operations Manager with forecasting USDA Commodities and allocating the Departments annual entitlement
• Applies established rules regulations policies and procedures to purchasing
• In the absence of the Warehouse and Operations Manager oversees the Food Warehouse staff and assists with questions and issues related to their work

JOB REQUIREMENTS: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Graduation from high school and three (3) years of experience in large-scale food purchasing OR
• Completion of two (2) years of college coursework in business or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior experience ordering food and supplies for schools hospitals large cafeterias or restaurants is highly valuable.

Required Knowledge:

• Proper purchasing and storage of food supplies and equipment for a large-scale food service program
• USDA guidelines for menu planning and commodity purchasing and handling
• Arithmetic
• Modern office equipment and procedures
• Report preparation and business correspondence
• Oral and written communication and correct English usage spelling grammar and punctuation
• Departmental policies and procedures
• Principles and practices of public purchasing

Required Abilities:

• Work under pressure with frequent interruptions
• Work independently
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Compile information and prepare reports
• Interpret and apply governmental rules as applicable
• Perform the essential functions of the position which include sitting standing lifting bending twisting reaching seeing hearing

Required Skills:

• Maintaining proper records associated with food supplies and equipment
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff public and vendors
• Purchasing food supplies and equipment
• Performing a variety of clerical tasks including data entry with speed and accuracy
• Operating a computer and Inventory Software system

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Environment:

• Office and warehouse environment.
• Frequent interruptions.
• Interaction with vendors district staff and department personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer and handle paperwork.
• Sitting standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting bending twisting and reaching.
• Seeing and hearing to perform essential job functions.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid California Drivers License
• DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance
• TB test clearance

Classification: Classified

Salary Range: Classified Salary Schedule Range 558

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: CST

Number of Days: 260

Date Adopted: October 15 2025

Required Experience:

IC