Category Buyer

About Us 

At Botrista, we are transforming beverage culture with intuitive drink-making technology guided by Nature herself. By allowing restaurants to easily expand menus without added complexity, we’re driving incremental growth with the push of a button. 

Awarded as one of the Best California Startups in 2023, our beverage solution has created a new industry category, universally applicable to any cuisine, demographic and business. Our machines are being rapidly deployed around the country for customers to experience & enjoy. 

We deliver a world of flavors at your fingertips by sourcing top-tier ingredients, accessories, & toppings from around the globe. Thanks to valuable data collected through our integrated CloudBar system, we easily guide our partners through their drink menu innovation. 

Each drink is crafted by nature, and perfected by innovation - we’d love to have you be a part of it. 

Position Summary 

As a category buyer, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our customers by developing and executing strategic procurement initiatives. You will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and optimizing costs while ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

Researches, identifies, and develops potential new supplier relationships for items within assigned product categories and manages the approval process. 

Negotiates and contracts with approved and potential suppliers. Maintains key business partner relationships. 

Develops and executes purchasing strategies that maximize opportunities to leverage spend, improve quality, reduce cost, and minimize commodity and supply risk. 

Develops annual cost plan for managed products and new forecasts throughout the year.

Tracks and analyzes commodity markets for cost saving or cost avoidance opportunities within assigned product categories. Develops plans of execution for those opportunities and makes recommendations to management. 

Leverage market/commodity insights, inflation mitigation techniques, escalation/de-escalation clauses, etc. to forecast costs and secure market competitive pricing; provide regular updates on cost inflation by category. 

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, and operations, to develop category strategies aligned with business objectives and market trends.

Coordinates the implementation of products with distribution. 

Develop and implement procurement strategies and sourcing plans to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and other components.

Conduct and lead regular business review sessions with our supplier partners in order to inform and align them with Botrista’s strategy for managed products 

Other activities, duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.

Readiness to adapt effectively to constant changes in priorities. 

Bachelor’s degree preferably in Finance, Supply Chain, or Business Administration

Strong negotiation and communication skills. 

Knowledge of procurement software and systems. 

Familiarity with industry-specific regulations and standards, a plus. 

Confidence in execution of strategic initiatives. 

Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions. 

Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail

Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners.

Ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. 

Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence.

High level of proficiency with technology including Google Suite applications, customized database applications, and internet research tools. 

Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure. 

Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.

Effective planning & organizing skills; ability to handle multiple tasks/duties.

Exceptional problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities. 

Travel Requirements 

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed for business trips and supplier verification up to 25%. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

5+ years of experience in Procurement with experience in negotiation & supplier relationship management OR 10+ years of restaurant supply chain experience. 

Proven experience in procurement with food and beverage 

Proven conflict resolution, negotiation, and influence skills with strong relationship-building skills.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Plus bonus and stock options

•  Fully company-paid Medical and 99% company-paid Dental and Vision Insurance

• 15 days Paid Time Off, 7 sick days, 14 holidays, Wellness Benefits, Cell Phone and Internet reimbursement, 401K

•  Beautiful new SF office with outdoor rooftop workspace

• Free beverages with our Bot, snacks, and Wednesday lunches