The Spice & Tea Exchange logo
Full-time
On-site
St. Augustine, Florida, United States
Job Title: Buyer
Department: Supply Chain
Position Reports to: Vendor & Sourcing Manager
Employment: W2 Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt 
Location: St. Augustine, FL Distribution Center (Distribution Center will be relocating to Palm Coast, FL).
 

You’re here! This can only mean one thing; you want to add a bit of SPICE to your life! At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, our mission is to Create and Share the Experience of a More Flavorful Life. Are you the best at what you do and want to love where you work? We are currently seeking a dynamic and passionate Procurement Specialist to help us bring our mission to life every day with our vendors, guests, franchise owners, and our team members. If this sounds like you, come grab a seat at our table! Apply now, and let your culinary imagination run wild with us! 


Position Purpose:
The Buyer is responsible for purchasing products, managing inventory levels, executing replenishment strategies, and ensuring consistent product availability to support operational and customer demand.  The Buyer evaluates vendor performance, monitors lead times, resolves supply issues, and ensures accuracy in product dating and warehouse receiving practices. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a buyer’s role. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals to perform a variety of tasks. Owns the full purchase order lifecycle including PO creation, confirmation, tracking, delivery management, discrepancy resolution, and closure. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.


Essential job functions include but are not limited to:
  • Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with vendors to secure favorable agreements.
  • Issue purchase orders and ensure accuracy of order details (pricing, quantities, specs).
  • Monitor order status and expedite or delay shipments when necessary.
  • Manage supplier relationships and resolve issues related to quality, delays, or invoicing.
  • Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
  • Work closely with production, sales, and finance teams to understand purchasing requirements.
  • Ensure purchases follow company policies, budget guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
  • Evaluate supplier compliance with quality standards and certifications.
  • Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using KPIs.
  • Maintain purchasing data within ERP or other procurement systems.
  • Reviews requisitions and process in a timely manner. 
  • Contacts vendors with discrepancies with quantity and quality. 
  • Interfaces with all departments and resolves problems and issues as necessary. 
  • All other duties not previously mentioned, as needed and required by the company.
 Knowledge and Job Requirements:
  • High School Diploma/GED, Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Accounting a plus.
  • Minimum of Five years’ experience in similar positions within Supply Chain for a Distributor or Wholesale operation.
  • Strong demand planning, forecasting and organizational skills with a proactive approach.
  • Advanced ability in Microsoft Excel, and forecasting & replenishment technology such as StockTrim or similar.
  • Skilled in process workflows and maintaining attention to detail throughout the procurement process.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication with a strong business acumen and tactful approach.
  • Adept in building and maintaining productive relationships with suppliers and collaborators and upholding high standards of customer service.
  • Well versed in shipping software for UPS and USPS.
  • Capable of independent work and team collaboration.
  • Conducts self with a high degree of integrity, accountability, and positive influence.
Physical Requirements to perform the essential functions of this job:
  • Consistent ability to utilize hands and fingers to perform tasks as necessary for job duties, which may include operating machinery, computer tools and equipment, handling materials, and typing (8+ hours per day).
  • Consistent capacity for visual acuity to monitor processes, examine materials and labels, and ensure quality standards are met (8+ hours per day).
  • Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods including the use of speech and hearing to communicate effectively with team members, customers, and the ability to engage in verbal discussions and listen attentively (8+ hours per day).
  • Consistent ability to perform various physical tasks that require continuous standing (8+ hours per day), sitting (8+ hours per day), walking (8+ hours per day), bending (3-5 hours per day), reaching (8+ hours per day), squatting, (3-5 hours per day), lifting; up to 50 lbs. (8+ hours per day), overhead lifting (3-5 hours per day), carrying (8+ hours per day), pushing/pulling (3-5 hours per day), climbing ladders and stairs (8+ hours per day), and maneuvering within a warehouse and office workspace (8+ hours per day).
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks (8+ hours per day).
  • Ability to visually identify color, substance, products, and their characteristics (8+ hours per day).
  • Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents, spices, fruits, extracts, aromas, or personal protective equipment (8+ hours per day).
TSTE is unable to accommodate sensitivity or allergy to various spices, ingredients, scents and aromas contained in our products. This is core to our business and cannot be avoided.

While we will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, such accommodation may not alter the fundamental requirements of the job, cause undue hardship, safety risk, or interfere with the ability to perform essential functions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to supporting your needs within the scope of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Core Values:  
  • Commitment; relationship builder, open minded.
  • Innovation; continuous industry awareness and development.
  • Passionate analyzer; procurement and cost savings awareness.
  • Adaptable and resourceful.
  • Passionate problem solver.
  • Determination, results driven.
  • Proactive; bias for action. 
  • Accountability; honest communication, transparency.
  • Enthusiastic about food and beverage. 
  • Teamwork; team-oriented and eager to grow within the company.  
  Spicy Perks: 
  • Medical, dental, vision and other ancillary benefits.
  • 401k plan + company match. 
  • Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care. 
  • 100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance. 
  • Paid time off (PTO) during first year, following 90 days of employment.
  • 7 Paid Holidays. 
  • Employee product discounts. 
  • Biannual “Create & Share”, free product gifts. 
  • Annual “Holiday Bucks” with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 
The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  
The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. 
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Drug Free Workplace
The Spice & Tea Exchange® is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. The company policy states, all applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.