Junior Procurement Coordinator (Food & Dietary Supplies) - EST Hours (Remote)

About the role

ISTA Personnel Solutions South Africa, a BPO company serving U.S.-based clients, is looking for a detail-oriented Procurement Coordinator to support a US-based client's dietary purchasing operations for healthcare facilities. You will review food orders, monitor spending, coordinate with suppliers and work closely with facility dietary managers so that facilities receive the right supplies on time, in suitable quantities and within budget. The role is fully remote.

Key responsibilities

• Review food and dietary supply orders for accuracy, appropriate quantities and budget compliance, checking them against facility menus, resident numbers and past purchasing patterns.
• Research product information such as pack sizes and quantities, and check stock availability, coordinating substitutions for unavailable products.
• Communicate with facility dietary managers and vendors by phone, email and system tickets.
• Investigate unusual quantities or spending and work with facilities on practical adjustments; escalate over-budget orders for approval and keep clear supporting records.
• Process invoices and investigate discrepancies in purchasing and spending reports.
• Take part in weekly team reviews and explain budget variances for assigned facilities.
• Manage deadlines and follow-ups to prevent food shortages and delivery disruptions.

Required profile

• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement or purchasing administration.
• Experience with food and beverage supplies, catering, hospitality or healthcare purchasing is advantageous.
• Understanding of purchase orders, invoices, budgets and supplier coordination.
• Clear spoken and written English, able to communicate with US-based facility staff and suppliers.
• Strong organisation, time management and problem-solving skills, with a supportive customer-service approach.

Required skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication and critical thinking.
• Attention to detail and logical judgment.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies and make practical recommendations.
• Confidence learning and using purchasing systems and online vendor platforms.

Working hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm EST (3:00 PM to midnight South African time, subject to daylight saving changes). Applicants must work on both South African and US public holidays, with compensation for SA holidays in line with the BCEA. Internet requirements: a fixed fibre line of at least 25 Mbps with wired Ethernet capability; power backup is also required.