DescriptionThe Global Buyer plays a critical role in supporting rapid response emergency food aid operations in natural disaster and conflict zones. This position is responsible for supporting the sourcing, negotiating, and procuring high-quality food and essential supplies at scale under time-sensitive conditions. The Global buyers responsible for the purchasing of goods for all of our ROC facilities, 3PL’s and storage facilities globally. The Global Buyer works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that procurement strategies align with organizational goals, and the urgent needs of the affected communities in alignment with WCK’s North Star.
This role requires a sincere commitment to WCK’s mission, occasional work during nights, holidays, and weekends, and the flexibility to support our work across multiple time zones. This role is intended to be a full-time exempt position, based in Capitol Heights, MD with a minimum of four (4) days on-site per week. This role reports to the VP, Relief Administration.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement & Sourcing
- Source food, ingredients, and essential supplies globally to support emergency operations in disaster and conflict zones.
- Identify reliable suppliers and establish long-term partnerships to ensure rapid and cost-effective procurement.
- Conduct market research to understand availability, pricing, and quality of critical items in global and local markets.
Supplier Management
- Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure the best value, quality, and lead times for WCK ROC (Relief Operation Center) facilities.
- Build relationships with diverse vendors in both traditional and non-traditional markets, focusing on agility and resilience within the supply chain.
- Monitor supplier performance and address issues related to quality, delivery, or compliance.
Logistics Coordination
- Collaborate with logistics teams to plan and execute efficient transportation of goods to disaster and conflict zones.
- Ensure procurement aligns with warehousing and distribution capacities of our ROC (Relief Operations Center) facilities.
Budget & Compliance
- Work within organizational budget constraints while ensuring quality and timeliness.
- Ensure all procurement activities adhere to organizational policies, donor requirements, and international trade regulations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate with response teams, culinary experts, and operations staff to align procurement efforts with programmatic needs.
- Serve as a point of contact for internal and external suppliers to provide updates on procurement status.
Crisis Response
- Actively contribute to emergency response efforts by sourcing supplies rapidly under high-pressure conditions. Prioritize purchasing locally first.
- Adapt procurement strategies to the specific challenges and constraints of each crisis, including disrupted supply chains and border restrictions.
Requirements - Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum 7+ years of experience in global procurement, logistics, or supply chain management, ideally in disaster response.
- Ability to spend up to 50% of the time in the field.
- Experience working in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with procurement in conflict zones or disaster-affected regions is a strong asset.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage complex procurement processes across multiple countries and suppliers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of international trade regulations, customs, and customs clearance processes.
- Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and Google Suite.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English required; additional languages such as Arabic, French, or Spanish are a plus.
Key Competencies
- Adaptability: Ability to work in fast-paced, unpredictable environments and find creative solutions to supply chain challenges.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Strong understanding of cultural and regional differences in global markets.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring quality and compliance while managing multiple procurements simultaneously.
- Team Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and international teams.
This role is critical to ensuring the organization’s ability to deliver life-saving food aid swiftly and effectively in emergencies. The ideal candidate will thrive in high-pressure environments, demonstrate a passion for humanitarian work, and bring a proactive and innovative approach to addressing procurement challenges
Application & Cover Letter
This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK.
References and Background Checks
To help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.
Equal Opportunity
WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment at this time.
E-Verify
For US based employment, WCK participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. Please view the E-Verify posters here with important information.
Para empleados en los EEUU, WCK participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU.. Los empleadores sólo pueden utilizar E-Verify una vez que usted haya aceptado una oferta de trabajo y completado el Formulario I-9. Haz clic aquí para ver los carteles de E-Verify con información importante.
No recruiters or agencies, please.
BenefitsWCK offers competitive compensation and great benefits including:
- ZERO premium medical, dental, and vision plans including for dependents within 30 days
- 403(b) retirement account with 50% match up to 8% of employee salary deferrals within 30 days
- 100% employer-sponsored group life and disability insurance within 30 days
- Responsible Paid Time Off which includes vacation, sick, and personal leave plus paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Annual salary reviews and other benefits as detailed in the Personnel Manual
Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 USD Per Year, Depends on Experience
Why Join Us?
Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and innovation.
Global Impact: Your work will have a direct impact on building a diverse and talented global team.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
Dynamic Team: Work with a supportive and enthusiastic team that values collaboration and fun.
If you’re ready to bring your unique talents to a role that’s as challenging as it is rewarding, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and let’s build the future of World Central Kitchen together!
WCK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Join us in being a part of WCK's global talent journey!
