Director of Purchasing

For more than a century, Ben E. Keith Company has been a leader in fine food and premium beverage distribution, and we strive to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations. Our Food Division is a complete broad line multi-state distributor, and our Beverage Division operates throughout the state of Texas as a proud distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, craft and import beer brands, spirits, and wine. We are dedicated to the growth and success of our business, our customers, and our employees—continuing our commitment to delivering quality since 1906. The purpose of the Director of Purchasing is to assist with planning and perform the execution of Ben E. Keith purchasing initiatives in order to maximize profitability for the division and increase the company’s overall market share. Responsibilities Establish and implement effective procurement programs and processes to ensure continued customer satisfaction. Collaborate with Purchasing, Sales, and Marketing in the development of strategic marketing campaigns to optimize sales performance. Manage relationships with internal and external customers to identify effective procurement opportunities. Identify areas of improvement within the procurement process to ensure conformance to company policy. Work with Division General Manager or Assistant General Manager to determine departmental budget and monitor actual performance against budget. Develop, review and evaluate procurement policies, and drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process. Manage Purchasing Division employees to ensure division purchasing guidelines are met. Direct daily activities of division staff to ensure compliance with corporate, contractual and legal requirements. Develop staff and determine best methods for performance enhancement and ensure adherence to BEK guidelines. Ensure training is in place to address situations where direct reports do not/cannot demonstrate competency. Participate in annual goal-setting, including monthly and/or semi-annual goal review meetings. Perform scheduled one-on-one performance reviews. Monitor internal purchasing systems and manage the parameters to optimize performance, to include optimization of purchasing income. Formulate and administer procurement system policies and develop long-range goals and objectives. Analyze market conditions to determine present and future product availability. Review and evaluate reports to ensure month-end financial goals are met. Monitor and forecast key cost drivers and market factors. Develop, manage and negotiate purchasing agreements, contracts and proposals, and create pricing strategy within limits of authority delegated by the Vice President of Purchasing. Manage relationships with approved brokers and vendors and seek opportunities to develop new relationships to maintain competitive edge. Develop agreements with brokers and vendors that maximize purchasing activities for the division. Lead resolution of significant purchasing dispute and claim issues. Resolve supplier problems regarding schedules, quantities, manufacturers and specifications. Periodically review price list strategy to optimize sales performance. Manage the day-to-day tasks and perform training of direct reports. Assess performance of direct reports and provide feedback. Consistently demonstrate and model good management and self‑management practices in support of BEK culture. Help to ensure regulatory guidelines are met by Purchasing Division. Job Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or related industry Minimum of 10 years of experience in Purchasing or Manufacturing At least 4 years of management experience preferred Experience with procurement software applications In‑depth knowledge of cost controls and pricing strategy Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications Sales and marketing experience preferred Knowledge of Food Service industry preferred, as well as state and federal regulations Ability to drive cost reductions Knowledge of procurement principles and processes Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Presentation Development and Delivery Superior Prioritization Management Strong Analytical Skills Relationship Management Ability to Manage Others Detail‑Oriented Customer Relations High Level of Enthusiasm and Optimism Self‑Motivated Strong Negotiation/Problem‑Solving Skills Planning and Organizational Skills Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Short and Long Term Disability 401K with matching contribution Profit‑Sharing Plan (100% company‑paid) Employee Assistance Program Wellness Program Educational Assistance Program Paid Vacation and holidays Employee Credit Union Ben E. Keith (BEK) Company is one of the largest food and beverage distributors in the United States. We are a family‑owned business with a long‑standing tradition of supporting the diverse communities in which we live and work. Our competitive employee benefits provide health and financial protection to our employees and their families. We have sought to create an environment in which the contributions of each employee at Ben E. Keith are fully valued. This means more than simply treating one another with respect; it also means considering how all our people can positively impact the quality of the decisions we make about our business. Here at Ben E. Keith, we recognize that our workforce reflects the increasingly diverse nature of our society, and we want to do all we can to take advantage of that diversity with both our external and internal customers. We believe our differences are also our strengths and we want to do all we can to use those strengths to find more creative solutions for the business challenges we face. Ben E. Keith is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled #J-18808-Ljbffr