Job Description
Posting Start Date:
11/11/26
Job Title: Purchasing Coordinator - Airline Catering
Job Location: Austin-USA-78719
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $20.00 - 24.00 per hour
About us
Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.
Role Purpose Statement
The Purchasing Coordinator (this is an hourly paid position) is responsible for supporting the procurement and supply chain activities of a fast-paced airline catering operation. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective sourcing, purchasing, and delivery of goods and services required to support daily production and customer service requirements. The Purchasing Coordinator develops and maintains supplier relationships, coordinates product transitions, manages non-strategic purchasing activities, and works closely with Operations, Production, and other cross-functional teams to maintain inventory availability and operational continuity. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a dynamic environment while utilizing proprietary systems, Excel, and effective communication skills to support business objectives.
- Work hours: 40-hour work week + occassional overtime
- Work schedule: 5 consecutive work days + 2 consecutive days off. Must be available to work a flexible, non-traditional schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed, as operations demands vary
- Work location: onsite @ our Sky Chefs facility near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
What You'll Do
- Monitor inventory levels and initiate timely purchasing to ensure all operational departments are adequately stocked.
- Source and coordinate procurement of goods and services, ensuring adherence to customer specifications and cost parameters.
- Collaborate with internal teams (i.e. culinary, transportation, production) to understand sourcing needs and timelines.
- Track product line changes and adjust procurement plans as needed to meet customer and operational requirements.
- Evaluate supplier performance and escalate issues when necessary.
- Identify and onboard qualified vendors who meet company standards.
- Partner with Program Management and other internal stakeholders to ensure items are compliant and cost-effective.
- Support supply chain initiatives that drive standardization and year-over-year cost savings.
- Accurately maintain procurement data in SAP and internal proprietary systems.
- Use Excel and other tools to track order status, vendor performance, and purchasing trends.
- Provide reporting and insights to support inventory planning and operations.
- Act as a liaison between departments and procurement to ensure real-time support for operational needs.
- Communicate proactively to resolve order issues, shipment delays, or supply shortages.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional teamwork
What We Look for in a Candidate
- 1+ years of purchasing or related field experience required or inventory coordination experience in a fast-paced environment; operations or production facility experience strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
- Strong Excel skills required; experience with SAP or ERP systems is a plus.
- Ability to learn and navigate proprietary systems quickly.
- Excellent organization, time management, and communication skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating data
SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.