At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

JOB SUMMARY

The Buyer is responsible for researching, sourcing, and procuring materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to support plant operations. This role ensures that all items required for production, and packaging are available on time and meet company standards for price, quality, and reliability. The Buyer manages purchase orders, maintains appropriate inventory levels, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, and collaborates closely with suppliers, logistics, accounting, and internal production teams. This position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Evaluate price, availability, quality, and warranties to source the most cost‑effective and reliable materials.
• Place purchase orders for supplies, equipment, and services; maintain blanket orders for long‑lead‑time items.
• Identify material requirements for production schedules and verify adequate inventory levels.
• Enter and maintain accurate purchasing data in SAP, generating purchase orders and stock transfers.
• Check outside inventory levels at supplier facilities and ensure replenishment as needed.
• Plan and place orders for long‑lead‑time components such as film and caddies.
• Verify physical inventory, investigate discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Review purchasing and receiving records; process invoices on time and ensure applicable discounts are applied.
• Follow up with suppliers regarding defective or incorrect materials to ensure proper credit.

Supplier & Vendor Relations

• Meet regularly with suppliers to address delivery issues, quality concerns, new projects, and shipping problems.
• Negotiate pricing, establish blanket purchase orders, and schedule deliveries to meet plant production demands.
• Maintain ongoing communication with long‑lead‑time suppliers to ensure timely production and shipment.
• Set up new vendors according to company procedures.

Logistics & Coordination

• Coordinate with logistics teams to arrange transportation for materials when needed.
• Review weekly inventory DOS and supply requirements from each plant
• Ensure timely availability of all materials to meet production schedules while maintaining minimal inventory levels due to warehouse constraints.

General Expectations

• Demonstrate company values: Be Real, Relationship Driven, Stewardship, Speed Matters, Self‑Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.
• Suggest and support continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Adhere to all company personnel policies and attendance expectations.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and be flexible with work hours to ensure adequate coverage.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is an office setting with varying degrees of temperature and noise levels. The vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1–3 years of related purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience
• Experience working with supply chain solutions, software and systems is beneficial

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and environments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar and correspondence skills.
• Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence.
• Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to work with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work with standardized processes and variables.

Computer Skills

• SAP experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general office equipment.

The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $85,000 (Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.