Foodservice Buyer

About the Role

We are a growing broadline foodservice distributor with three distribution centers, and we are looking for a sharp, analytical Buyer to join our purchasing team. In this role, you will own replenishment across a diverse product mix and will be making daily inventory decisions that directly impact service levels, spoilage, and the bottom line.

What We Offer

· Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and company holidays

• A growing company with opportunity for career advancement

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Replenishment Management

• Manage daily purchasing and replenishment across a high-SKU, multi-category product portfolio spanning three distribution centers

• Execute purchase orders to maintain strong fill rates while minimizing excess inventory, aging product, and spoilage

• Monitor key inventory metrics including turns, days-on-hand, shorts, shrink, and service levels

• Respond rapidly to supply disruptions, substitutions, and vendor constraints with minimal impact to service

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Analyze sales trends, seasonal patterns, and new business initiatives to build accurate short- and long-term demand forecasts

• Collaborate with Category Managers and the Sales team to align inventory positions with customer demand, promotions, and new item launches

• Identify slow-moving and at-risk inventory and develop action plans to reduce exposure

Vendor Management & Negotiation

• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to improve service levels and gain priority access during supply constraints

• Hold vendors accountable to fill rate, delivery, and quality commitments — escalating issues as needed

• Evaluate vendor performance using data and recommend changes to sourcing strategy when appropriate

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate item master data, cost records, and vendor information in our ERP/purchasing system

• Generate and analyze inventory and purchasing reports to support operational and financial decision-making

• Support category margin analysis and cost modeling as needed

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of purchasing, replenishment, or inventory management experience in broadline foodservice distribution, food manufacturing, or high-volume wholesale distribution

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel — must be comfortable with pivot tables, data analysis, and building reports from scratch

• Experience with AS400 or similar system

• Data-driven mindset

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and make fast, accurate decisions in a time-sensitive environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor negotiations

• Must be available to work on-site 5 days per week



Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field — or equivalent work experience

• Familiarity with JIT (just-in-time) supply models and produce or perishable inventory management

• Build and maintain Excel-based tools (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, dashboards) to track KPIs and surface actionable insights

• Experience working across multiple distribution centers or warehouse locations

• Prior exposure to category management, vendor cost modeling, or procurement analytics