The Role
The Associate Buyer ensures efficient inventory and supply levels meet production demand, collaborates with teams, analyzes data, and communicates with suppliers.
Summary Generated by Built In
Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.
Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.
We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.
That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!
POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Buyer role at Hawaiian Host Group is part of the Procurement Team and responsible for ensuring that inventory and supply levels meet production demand efficiently while minimizing shortages, excess inventory, and costs. This role functions in a fast-paced Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Procurement and working in a fast-paced environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Maintain target inventory levels based on needs determined by supply / demand planning team.
- Monitor weekly and monthly production schedules aligned with capacity and demand, prioritizing purchase orders as changes in demand and supply planning occur.
- Develop inventory levels, plan and adjust purchases to prevent shortages or surpluses.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, demand planning, sales, inventory, logistics) to optimize supply chain processes.
- Analyze data from demand forecasts and inventory reports to recommend purchasing changes and improvements.
- Negotiate and communicate with supplier sand vendors to optimize materials flow, guarantee timely delivery and resolve supply constraints.
- Use ERP or supply planning tools (such as Oracle) to manage and adjust procurement spend, minimizing both inventory levels, cost, and ensuring high service levels.
- Provide insights to inform product innovation of packaging costs, lead times, and supplier capabilities.
- Associate Buyers are instrumental for aligning supply and demand of raw materials in fast-moving CPG businesses, helping companies meet customer needs while keeping costs and waste low.
- The role requires agility, continuous improvement focus, and proactive collaboration across multiple business functions.
- In summary, a CPG Associate Buyer manages the intricate balance between supply and demand through data-driven planning, cross-team collaboration, and operational excellence.
- Track and report on inventory, vendor performance, and supply metrics using Excel and planning software.
- Resolve inventory or supply constraints, report risks, and participate in supply/demand planning process.
- Support new product introduction, manage material disposition for obsolete or new product introduction.
Execution:
Additional Duties:
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or a related field
- APICS or similar Supply Chain certification preferred.
- Experience in procurement, inventory control, and supply chain in a CPG or FMCG environment.
- Effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.
Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Top Skills
Erp
Excel
Oracle
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The Company
What We Do
Hawaiian Host Group, parent company to Hawaiian Host®, Mauna Loa®, and KOHO® brands, is the leading manufacturer of premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks. Renowned for providing an authentic chocolate and macadamia nut experience, the iconic Hawai'i company has been offering a variety of high-quality, delicious products — from fine confectionery gifts to indulgent snacks — since 1927. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiian Host Group produces more than 40 unique premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks and distributes worldwide. For more information on Hawaiian Host Group brands, visit hawaiianhostgroup.com
