Procurement Manager

The Procurement Manager leads procurement strategy and supplier management to ensure reliable supply cost efficiency product quality and inventory coordination in support of the companys 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.

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:

• Bachelors 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 3years 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.