Protein Buyer and Procurement Specialist

The role:

We are seeking a full-time Protein Sourcing Specialist with an entrepreneurial mindset who is willing to take ownership of the protein buying strategy. This role will focus on aligning with company objectives and sourcing high-quality proteins. You will manage the entire vendor lifecycle—from finding and onboarding new protein suppliers to maintaining and developing relationships with current ones. You’ll also own key analyses and projects that drive the decision-making within the procurement department of a fast-growing startup.

As part of the Supply Chain team, your duty will be to discover the best ways to optimize protein procurement expenses without sacrificing quality. You must be capable of researching, selecting, analyzing, and onboarding new protein suppliers while maintaining and enhancing the relationships with our current protein vendor portfolio.

You are organized, self-driven, and have strong numerical and analytical skills. You have a “get stuff done” attitude and thrive in a dynamic environment.

You enjoy being part of a team that supports and helps you, and you understand that your work directly impacts the overall quality and success of the organization.

Please note: This is a hybrid role with the expectation of working at a CookUnity office a few days each month to foster in-person collaboration and connection with the team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a best-in-class protein supplier network for one of the fastest-growing prepared meals services in the world.
• Own the end-to-end process of identifying, vetting, and onboarding new protein suppliers across all categories (meat, seafood, plant-based, alternative proteins).
• Leverage our $100M+ buying power to negotiate and improve current and new deals for protein sourcing.
• Evaluate protein vendors based on quality, price, and service levels across the USA.
• Suggest and implement the best protein suppliers based on regional needs and company locations.
• Prepare cost-benefit analysis reports for company review.
• Generate monthly protein supply cost reports.
• Coordinate with culinary and operational teams to ensure efficient protein handling processes.
• Assist in developing a strategic protein sourcing plan for the company that aligns with corporate objectives.
• Educate protein vendors about company guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure smooth procurement operations.
• Primarily this is a remote job, but you can expect in-person sessions with many protein suppliers. Strong preference that you live in one of our primary market hubs: NY, LA, CHI.
• Work directly with an accomplished Director with international experience and a deep understanding of the global protein supply chain!

Requirements:

• 4+ years of previous experience in a Supply Chain / Procurement / Protein Sourcing role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or other related field. MBA not required but valued.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Google Workspace / Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems and Tableau is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills with attention to detail and aptitude for numbers.
• Deep knowledge of proteins, including meat, seafood, plant-based, and alternative proteins.
• English is our main language, but a secondary language (especially Spanish) is valued.

Benefits

🩺  Health Insurance coverage

🌅 401k Plan

⛱ PTO policy and paid sick days 

🗓️ 5- year Sabbatical: After 5 years with CookUnity, you get a 4-week paid sabbatical

🐣 Family leave: Paid time leave

🕯 Compassionate Leave: 3-5 days each time the need arises

🥘 A generous amount of CookUnity credits to enjoy our amazing meals, added to your account, monthly

🧘🏽‍♀️ Wellness perks: access to a nutritional coach and fitness subsidies to build a healthy lifestyle

👩🏾‍🏫 Personalized Spanish coach

🌟 Awesome opportunity to join a company that is looking to change how we eat and how chefs work!