Description
The Procurement Manager leads procurement strategy and supplier management to ensure reliable supply, cost efficiency, product quality, and inventory coordination in support of the company’s operational, profitability, and growth objectives. This role partners cross-functionally to maintain service levels, mitigate risk, control costs, and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Requirements
Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
- Source food, beverage, disposable, janitorial, and non-food products from approved suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, rebates, contracts, and promotional programs with manufacturers and brokers.
- Monitor commodity markets and recommend purchasing strategies to reduce cost volatility.
- Identify alternative sourcing opportunities during shortages or supply disruptions.
- Evaluate supplier performance related to pricing, fill rate, quality, and service.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Manage inventory levels to optimize service levels and minimize excess or obsolete inventory.
- Collaborate with inventory control and warehouse teams on forecasting and replenishment planning.
- Analyze demand trends, seasonality, and customer buying patterns.
- Ensure accurate item setup, costing, and purchasing data within ERP systems.
- Support spoilage reduction and inventory turns objectives.
Vendor & Relationship Management
- Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, brokers, and distribution partners.
- Conduct vendor reviews and business performance meetings.
- Resolve supplier issues involving shortages, quality concerns, freight delays, and invoice discrepancies.
- Coordinate new product introductions and item transitions.
Financial & Analytical Responsibilities
- Analyze gross margin impacts, market conditions, and purchasing opportunities.
- Prepare reports on spend analysis, contract compliance, and inventory performance.
- Support annual budgeting and procurement savings initiatives.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with food safety, traceability, and regulatory requirements.
- Support recall management and supplier documentation processes.
- Maintain adherence to company purchasing policies and audit standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with sales teams to support customer needs and special-order programs.
- Coordinate with operations, transportation, and category management teams.
- Assist in developing assortment strategies and category optimization plans.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing procurement team.
- Build a collaborative, accountable culture with scalable processes and continuous improvement.
- Support hiring, onboarding, and capability development across the team.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Logistics, Foodservice Management or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 7 years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience in foodservice distribution, grocery or wholesale distribution, and 3+years managing a team.
- Proven skills in negotiation and vendor management.
- Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, and supply chain operations.
- Working knowledge of food safety, quality standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, etc.).
- Experience working cross-functionally with operations, finance, logistics, and sales teams.
- Proficiency with ERP, procurement, or inventory management systems, MS Office with advanced Excel skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Highly knowledgeable with the following KPIs: Fill rate performance, inventory turns, gross margin improvement, purchase price variance, supplier service levels, shrink/spoilage reduction, forecast accuracy, on-time product availability.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Ability to develop sourcing strategies and negotiate favorable commercial terms.
- Cost Management & Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgets, margins, and cost drivers.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Builds trusted, performance-driven supplier partnerships.
- Inventory & Demand Planning: Balances availability, working capital, and service levels.
- Analytical & Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Risk Management & Problem Solving: Anticipates issues and develops practical contingency plans.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effectively partners across departments to achieve business objectives.
- Attention to Detail & Compliance: Ensures accuracy, documentation, and adherence to standards.
- Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and drives ongoing process enhancements.
