PURCHASING MANAGER - K-12 Schools

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:  $90000 - $100000

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit

Job Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the daily purchasing and inventory functions supporting a large USDA K-12 food service account. This role ensures the timely procurement of food, beverage, and related products while maintaining accurate inventory levels and supporting efficient operations. The Purchasing Manager works closely with vendors, operations teams, and management to ensure products are ordered, received, and tracked accurately while meeting company, USDA, and client requirements. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple purchasing activities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and manage purchase orders for food, beverage, printing, and other operational supplies.
• Communicate with vendors, operations teams, and management to ensure products are ordered according to specifications and operational needs.
• Verify weekly inventory counts for accuracy and complete inventory submissions in a timely manner.
• Monitor inventory levels and place orders to maintain adequate stock while minimizing shortages and overages.
• Negotiate pricing and coordinate product deliveries with suppliers.
• Review shipments and receiving documentation to ensure products received match purchase orders and quality standards.
• Resolve discrepancies involving orders, deliveries, invoices, or inventory records.
• Compile and maintain monthly purchasing, inventory, and operational reports.
• Utilize Excel, Visual Basic, and inventory management systems to track purchasing activity and inventory performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contract requirements, and USDA school nutrition purchasing guidelines.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supporting documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three years of purchasing, inventory control, food service, or related experience.
• Working knowledge of purchasing procedures and inventory management practices.
• Experience purchasing food, beverage, and printing products preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, as well as purchasing and inventory management systems.
• Experience working with inventory reporting and data analysis.
• Knowledge of USDA school nutrition programs and food service operations strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate data entry and recordkeeping skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12  are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

- usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:  

Req ID: 1550822

Chartwells K12 

JENNIFER HILL

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