Procurement Specialist

Gator Chef is a premier commercial kitchen equipment and restaurant supply dealer serving foodservice operators locally and nationwide. In our industry, profitability and exceptional customer satisfaction start at the buying desk. Every margin point protected, freight cost optimized, and inventory turn accelerated directly drives our success. We run a fast-paced, high-volume operation where proactive thinkers are empowered to make an immediate, measurable impact. The Opportunity About Gator Chef Gator Chef is a premier commercial kitchen equipment and restaurant supply dealer serving foodservice operators locally and nationwide. In our industry, profitability and exceptional customer satisfaction start at the buying desk. Every margin point protected, freight cost optimized, and inventory turn accelerated directly drives our success. We run a fast-paced, high-volume operation where proactive thinkers are empowered to make an immediate, measurable impact. The Opportunity We are looking for a sharp, detail-obsessed, and driven Procurement Specialist (Buyer) to join our team on-site at our Lisle, IL headquarters. In this role, you will take operational ownership of purchasing across our entire catalog—spanning heavy commercial equipment, tabletop and smallwares, kitchen supplies, and disposables. This is not an automated, order-entry job; it is a high-leverage position built for an out-of-the-box thinker who understands that smart procurement directly impacts the company’s bottom line. If you bring genuine grit, an appetite to learn the intricacies of thousands of foodservice products, and the tenacity to hunt down cost savings and supply chain efficiencies, this seat is for you. Key Responsibilities Full-Catalog Purchasing & Inventory Optimization: Manage purchase orders across all categories—heavy equipment, kitchen supplies, tabletop goods, and disposables—balancing lead times, safety stocks, and sales velocity to maintain strong in-stock levels while minimizing carrying costs. Margin & Landed-Cost Scrutiny: Analyze vendor price sheets, freight thresholds, bulk discounts, and payment terms to drive lower landed costs and maximize profit margins on everyday stock and non-standard orders. Vendor Accountability & Negotiation: Build and maintain strong partnerships with equipment manufacturers, smallwares distributors, and factory rep groups. Hold vendors accountable for published lead times, fill rates, return authorizations, and price guarantees. Invoice & Receiving Reconciliation: Catch errors before they cost the company. Partner with Receiving and Accounts Payable to swiftly resolve PO variances, damaged freight claims, price mismatches, and backorders. Cross-Department Support: Collaborate closely with Inside Sales and Customer Operations to source specialty items, secure competitive vendor quotes for large-scale projects, and provide accurate, realistic fulfillment timelines. Process & Workflow Improvement: Continuously refine replenishment workflows, improve PO execution speed, identify alternate sourcing avenues during supply shortages, and eliminate operational friction. Qualifications & Competencies Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on purchasing, buying, or supply chain inventory experience. Prior background in commercial equipment, restaurant supplies, wholesale, or B2B industrial distribution is a major plus. Grit & Tenacity: You proactively follow through on open issues, dig into logistics snags, challenge unwarranted price increases, and see problems through to the finish line without needing continuous oversight. Laser-Focused Attention to Detail: You catch small discrepancies—like an off-by-one SKU, an incorrect freight fee, or a 1% price variance—that make the difference between a profitable deal and a lost margin. Analytical & Resourceful: You understand basic cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) dynamics, enjoy working through data to spot buying trends, and can solve supply bottlenecks creatively. Eagerness to Learn: You have a growth mindset and want to master our product catalog, build deep industry expertise, and expand your procurement skill set. Software & Communication Skills: Strong proficiency with ERP/purchasing software and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, and reporting), alongside clear, professional written and verbal communication. Benefits Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays 401(k) with company match Direct exposure to business leadership with long-term career growth potential #J-18808-Ljbffr Gator Chef Restaurant Equipment & Kitchen Supplies