Director of Distribution

Director of Distribution

The Director of Procurement, Distributor Programs is responsible for developing, executing, and managing sourcing strategies for regional and secondary prime distribution programs within the Corrections segment, as well as regional direct-store-delivery (DSD) contracts for produce and specialty food categories. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and distribution partners to identify cost-saving opportunities, improve purchasing compliance, and support operational objectives across the organization. Reporting to the Vice President of Procurement, this position leads strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, contract management, and procurement program implementation. The Director will oversee the end-to-end sourcing process, including RFI/RFP events, financial analysis, supplier selection, and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring alignment with company policies, compliance standards, and business goals.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for regional and secondary prime distribution programs, produce distributors, and other specialty food categories.
• Lead Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, including bid preparation, supplier evaluations, pricing analysis, and contract negotiations.
• Negotiate supplier agreements that deliver value through competitive pricing, service, quality, and operational support.
• Manage supplier relationships through regular business reviews and performance evaluations.
• Identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership and improve supplier performance across assigned categories.

Procurement Programs & Business Support

• Support procurement initiatives that drive purchasing compliance and maximize program adoption across market segments.
• Partner with operational leaders to support unit openings, closings, supply chain implementations, and issue resolution.
• Assist with integration activities related to acquisitions and organizational growth initiatives.
• Support corporate initiatives, including supplier diversity and sustainability programs.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders across Elior to support cost reduction, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.

Analysis, Planning & Process Improvement

• Analyze spend data to identify sourcing opportunities and areas of non-contracted purchasing.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to supply chain revenue and procurement programs.
• Monitor commodity markets, pricing trends, and industry developments to inform sourcing strategies.
• Continuously evaluate procurement processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and results.
• Support technology initiatives related to procurement and supplier management, including RFP tools, EDI, procure-to-pay systems, and vendor compliance programs.

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Manage supplier contracts and ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Review and understand contract provisions including insurance requirements, indemnification, termination clauses, audit rights, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure sourcing activities comply with company policies, procurement standards, and risk management practices.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support special projects and other procurement initiatives as assigned by leadership.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or related management experience.
• Experience within contract foodservice management and working with prime food distributors, regional distribution programs, and food procurement operations.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience leading sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and develop strategies that drive cost savings and operational value.
• Knowledge of commodity markets and market indices that impact food and distribution categories.
• Understanding of sourcing methodologies, RFI/RFP development, and supplier evaluation processes.
• Experience developing and maintaining strategic supplier relationships.
• Advanced proficiency with Power BI, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting multi-site foodservice, hospitality, corrections, education, healthcare, or related environments.
• Experience supporting procurement technology initiatives and process improvement projects.

Travel Requirements

• Travel does not exceed 30%.
• This position may be based in Houston, TX or Minneapolis, MN and follows a hybrid work schedule. Employees based in Minneapolis will work from Elior's new office opening in Summer 2026.
• Minneapolis Office: 1515 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
• Houston Corporate Office: 4920 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77041
• Candidates located in Pittsburgh, PA, Jackson, MS, and Sacramento, CA will also be considered.

Compensation Range $120,000.00 to $130,000.00, based on experience

About Elior North America: Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.