Head of Purchasing

Job Description: Head of Purchasing

About LOS TACOS No. 1

LOS TACOS No. 1 is an expanding restaurant group with multiple locations in Manhattan serving Mexican tacos in a vibrant atmosphere. The company started after three close friends from Tijuana, Mexico and Brawley, CA realized the need for truly authentic Mexican tacos on the East Coast. The company is passionate about making every guest at LOS TACOS No. 1 feel like they have been transported to Mexico when they step into our restaurants. For more information, please visit:

Who We’re Looking For

LOS TACOS is searching for an experienced Head of Purchasing to lead the purchasing team, contract negotiation, and vendor management for all of LOS TACOS’s restaurant packaging, ingredients, raw materials, and logistical needs. The Head of Purchasing will also assist in development food cost forecasting, and monitoring and reporting on the department’s financials and administrative activities. This position oversees three purchasing team members who execute the daily responsibilities of the department. The successful candidate for the Head of Purchasing position has led purchasing previously in a food service operation; has extensive experience with ERPs, ordering, and inventory systems; has led and developed small teams previously; will be able to take a pro-active, strategic view of the purchasing process; will anticipate, prevent, and/or skillfully resolve problems; will represent the company’s brand and interests in dialogue with vendors; and will lead in the development of efficient, scalable purchasing systems as the company grows. This position is full-time, on-site at the LOS TACOS office, and reports directly to the Director of Finance and COO.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with LOS TACOS financial objectives, product standards, and operational needs
• Collaborate with senior leadership to understand departmental needs and establish purchasing priorities
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and contractual agreements
• Sustain and strengthen vendor relationships to ensure reliable access to high-quality products and timely delivery, and develop and nurture new vendor relationships as needed
• Monitor and report on purchasing budgets and variances, identifying cost-saving opportunities and operational improvements
• Forecast theoretical food costs and compare with actual food costs on a weekly basis and report on variances
• Establish and oversee audit processes to ensure accurate pricing and that expected quantities and quality are delivered
• Analyze market trends, pricing shifts, and economic indicators to recommend strategic purchasing decisions
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing purchasing team, fostering a collaborative, results-driven, and service-oriented culture
• Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance
• Oversee purchasing department budget and contribute to financial planning and forecasting initiatives
• Manage inventory levels with precision, ensuring optimal stock turnover and implementing controls that reduce waste and carrying costs
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure procurement activities support operational needs and organizational goals
• Facilitate clear communication between the purchasing department and all operational teams to streamline workflows
• Ensure all procurement processes uphold the brand's service standards through rigorous quality assurance measures
• Review the internal ordering process and work towards improving the system to a more streamlined platform
• Leverage procurement technologies and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and innovation within the supply chain
• Research new products, vendors, and technology to support Purchasing, and make recommendations to senior leadership
• Undertake special assignments in relation to inventory management, procurement, product distribution, food cost and other related areas

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in a senior Purchasing, Procurement, or Supply Chain role in multi-unit food service operation with regularly increasing scope of responsibility
• Strong experience with Restaurant365 or equivalent ERPs (i.e. MarginEdge, Netsuite, CaterEdge, OracleERP) for procurement, inventory management, purchasing forecasts, and cost analysis
• Strong capabilities in Excel for data analysis (inventory, price history, product mix, sales, revenue, yield, cost, forecasting, etc.)
• Experience managing and developing teams and providing effective, constructive feedback to foster performance and growth
• Highly organized, systematic, detailed, and analytical with excellent communication, presentation, time management and facilitation skills
• Strong proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant, contemporary digital platforms
• Preference for candidates with bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or related field

Compensation & Benefits

This position will have a total annual compensation in the range of $150K. In addition, this position will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Paid time off and comp days
• Transit & commuter benefits
• Free meals at all of our restaurant locations

Application Process

Candidates should send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io with “ Head of Purchasing ” in the subject line with a resume and a cover letter. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.