Buyer/ Purchasing Specialist - Hourly

Job Description:

About us

LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted “Airline Caterer of the Year in North America” for 2023 and 2024, we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.

Role Purpose Statement

The Buyer / Purchasing Agent is responsible for the strategic and tactical sourcing, development, and ongoing management of the supply base for assigned categories of goods and services. This role supports Lufthansa Services Group (LSG) Customer Service Centers by ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and adherence to customer specifications—particularly for non‑strategic and operational materials. The Buyer acts as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver value, reliability, and operational excellence.

Main Accountabilities

Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

Collaborate closely with Customer Service Centers, Program Management, and cross‑functional corporate teams to identify current and future sourcing requirements and align procurement strategies accordingly.
Lead the execution of sourcing activities across assigned categories, including vendor selection, pricing analysis, negotiations, and onboarding.
Monitor supply continuity and sourcing effectiveness to ensure service level expectations are consistently met.

Supplier Performance & Development

Proactively monitor supplier performance and address quality, pricing, delivery, or compliance issues in a timely manner.
Conduct root cause analysis for recurring vendor issues and recommend alternative sourcing solutions when required.
Identify, evaluate, and drive supplier development opportunities that generate measurable operational, financial, or service improvements for LSG.

Cost Optimization & Standardization

Drive year‑over‑year cost improvements through product standardization, consolidation of spend, and the pursuit of best‑in‑class commodity and service pricing.
Leverage product knowledge, supplier capabilities, and spanet insights to guide internal customers toward approved and standardized solutions.
Ensure all sourcing decisions align with budgetary expectations and deliver optimal total‑cost‑of‑ownership.

Program & Customer Alignment

Partner with Program Management and internal customers to ensure that sourced items meet contractual specifications, customer requirements, and defined pricing parameters.
Provide tactical procurement support for product line changes and new item introductions, ensuring timely implementation and minimal operational disruption.

Systems & Compliance

Maintain accurate purchasing data, vendor records, and sourcing documentation in SAP and related procurement systems.
Ensure all suppliers meet LSG qualification, compliance, and audit requirements.

Leadership & Professional Impact

Demonstrate and model LSG corporate values in daily interactions and cross‑functional collaboration.
Serve as a trusted procurement advisor to internal stakeholders by providing timely support, informed recommendations, and issue resolution.
Exhibit strong fiscal responsibility by balancing cost efficiency with service quality and supply assurance.
Consistently demonstrate problem‑solving capability and ownership, driving issues to resolution with appropriate oversight and escalation when needed.
Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and procurement best‑practice adoption.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education & Experience
- 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a related field required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Working knowledge of SAP or other ERP/procurement systems preferred.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate pricing, vendor performance metrics, and sourcing data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard reporting tools.
Professional Competencies
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast‑paced, operational environment.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across functional teams and with external partners.
- Demonstrated problem‑solving, negotiation, and decision‑making capabilities.
- Customer‑focused mindset with attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Job Ident #: 7453

Company Details

LSG Sky Chefs, Inc.

1355 Airport Blvd
San Jose, California 95110 USA
www.lsgskychefs.com

LSG Sky Chefs is best known as one of the world’s largest airline and rail catering and hospitality companies.

While a recognized name in train and airline catering, LSG Sky Chefs also supports airlines and rail operators with a wide selection...

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Job Info

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Type

Permanent

Company Details

LSG Sky Chefs, Inc.

1355 Airport Blvd
San Jose, California 95110 USA
www.lsgskychefs.com