Ingredient Buyer at Tovala

Chicago, Illinois, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Food Tech, Meal DeliveryIndustries

Requirements

5+ years in a food procurement role, experience in production environment or large scale catering operation preferred
Proven experience
Thrive in a fast-paced environment, and can prioritize business needs while managing multiple supply chains
Show exceptional attention to detail to consistently seek out and independently vet data, informing decision making
Have excellent time management skills and strong follow-through skills, with the ability to develop and drive project plans for own priorities and department projects
Have the ability to think and act critically about processes and supply chain systems with a focus on continuous improvement in value, innovation and cost savings, while staying ahead of market trends
Have strong problem solving and planning skills, and experience with project management
Have strong verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

Review on-hand inventory and production requirements to manage daily and weekly purchasing needs, for a range of lead times and shelf lives
Communicate shortages or delays in product arrival that would affect the production schedule
Strategize the recovery plan with the Operations team to expedite or fill-in elsewhere with minimal impact to production
Provide forecasts to vendors to stay ahead of any potential shortages, identify challenges and provide solutions to mitigate interruptions in product acquisition
Work with the Director of Procurement and Senior Buyer(s) to secure secondary or even tertiary suppliers for high risk, essential ingredients
Review demand requirements to manage short and long term purchasing needs, working with the Inventory and Menu teams to avoid wastage and identify opportunities for process improvements
Implement and maintain a vendor performance rating system - monitor and evaluate vendor performance using key attributes (on-time/complete delivery, adherence to specifications, etc)
Real time communication of quality issues to vendors, ensuring timely follow up and solutions
Develop and maintain excellent partnerships and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, working with the Procurement Director to identify and develop processes for efficiency and value improvements
Partner with our Finance and Inventory teams to review and approve invoices, and ensure food costs are accurately captured
Integrate within the Tovala Supply Chain team and provide support and coverage to both food and packaging within the Procurement team
Follow Safety/GMP/Food Safety/Quality policies

Skills

Inventory Management

Procurement

Vendor Management

Forecasting

Supply Chain Coordination

Purchasing

Production Planning

Food Procurement

Tovala

Smart oven with meal delivery service

About Tovala

Tovala combines hardware, software, and food to simplify home cooking with its Tovala Smart Oven and meal delivery service. The Smart Oven is a countertop appliance that cooks meals automatically when customers scan a QR code on Tovala-prepared meals. This system is designed for busy individuals and families who want healthy, home-cooked meals without spending much time cooking. Tovala targets health-conscious consumers and operates in the meal kit and smart kitchen appliance markets. Its business model includes selling the Smart Oven and offering a subscription service for meal deliveries, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. Revenue comes from oven sales and subscription fees, and the company has experienced rapid growth since its start in 2015, building a loyal customer base. Tovala also focuses on creating a positive work culture, valuing employee well-being and fostering a supportive environment.

Chicago, IllinoisHeadquarters

2017Year Founded

$69.6MTotal Funding

SERIES_CCompany Stage

Food & Agriculture, Hardware, Consumer GoodsIndustries

51-200Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Company Equity

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Risks

Increased competition from smart kitchen appliance companies like June Oven and Brava.

Potential supply chain issues due to semiconductor shortages affecting smart oven production.

Rising costs of ingredients and logistics could impact meal delivery pricing and profitability.

Differentiation

Tovala combines a smart oven with a meal delivery service for convenience.

The Tovala Smart Oven automates cooking through QR code scanning for effortless meals.

Tovala targets health-conscious consumers with chef-crafted, nutritious meals and smart technology.

Upsides

Partnership with Jesse Tyler Ferguson enhances brand visibility and broadens audience reach.

Launch of affordable Smart Oven Air Fryer attracts cost-conscious consumers, expanding customer base.

$30M Series C funding fuels growth and innovation in food technology sector.

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