Dining Services Purchaser

Location: Onsite, Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $24.00 Hourly

Ensure Excellence Behind the Scenes. Support the Student Experience.

Moody Bible Institute is seeking a detail-oriented and service-minded Dining Services Purchaser to support the daily operations of our Dining Services department. This role plays a vital part in ensuring our kitchens are consistently stocked with the food, supplies, and resources needed to provide an exceptional dining experience for students, employees, and guests. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, purchasing expertise, and a commitment to stewardship and service.

About Us

Moody Bible Institute is a Christ-centered higher education and media ministry dedicated to equipping people with the truth of God's Word. Through trusted biblical teaching, media, and educational resources, Moody reaches audiences around the world with the gospel and seeks to make a lasting Kingdom impact.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Chef and Dining Service Director, the Dining Services Purchaser is responsible for the purchasing, receiving, inventory management, storage, and distribution of food, beverages, and operational supplies for Dining Services. This role works closely with vendors, kitchen leadership, and team members to maintain inventory levels, control costs, support menu execution, and ensure the efficient operation of food-service facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate the purchasing and receiving of food, beverages, supplies, and other products necessary for Dining Services operations.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure quality, pricing, delivery, and service expectations are met.
• Monitor inventory levels and product usage to support efficient operations and minimize waste.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, receiving, invoice, and inventory records.
• Research alternative products and suppliers to support budget goals and operational needs.
• Ensure all products are properly received, inspected, stored, rotated, and distributed according to food-safety standards.
• Monitor inventory aging, overstock situations, and product shortages, taking proactive steps to address issues.
• Communicate purchasing concerns, vendor issues, and supply shortages to Dining Services leadership.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary receiving and storage areas.
• Ensure compliance with FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices and established food-safety procedures.
• Train and oversee student workers assigned to receiving and storeroom responsibilities.
• Support menu planning efforts by coordinating product availability and inventory requirements with the Chef and Dining Services leadership team.
• Provide outstanding customer service to employees, students, guests, and vendors.
• Assist with inventory counts, reporting, and operational projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others.
• Knowledge of purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and supply management practices.
• Commitment to maintaining a positive and customer-focused work environment.
• Ability to frequently reach, stoop, bend, and lift up to 35 pounds.

Preferred

• Two to four years of purchasing, receiving, inventory control, or food-service experience.
• Experience working within a food-service, hospitality, higher education, or institutional dining environment.

Work Environment

• This position operates primarily within a kitchen, receiving, and storeroom environment.
• The role regularly utilizes pallet jacks, carts, computers, and other receiving and inventory management tools, as well as standard office equipment.
• The position requires regular movement throughout dining and storage facilities and may involve lifting, stocking, and organizing materials.

Additional Information

• Candidates must demonstrate alignment with Moody Bible Institute's mission, doctrinal beliefs, and Christian values.
• Employees are required to affirm Moody's Statement of Faith and adhere to Community Standards.
• Moody Bible Institute values diversity and seeks team members who engage others in ways that honor its biblical foundation.
• Moody complies with applicable nondiscrimination laws and, as a religious institution, requires employees to hold beliefs consistent with its Doctrinal Statement and Community Standards.

Benefits & Culture

In addition to meaningful work, you'll be part of a supportive, Christ-centered community that is committed to your professional, personal, and spiritual growth.

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage available on your first day of employment
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Employer retirement contribution program
• Company-paid and optional life insurance benefits
• Wellness incentives and complimentary membership to the Solheim Athletic Center
• Optional benefits including:
  • Vision coverage
  • Transit benefit
  • Health Care Spending Account (FSA)
• Free on-campus parking

A Culture That Invests in You

• Tuition benefits and educational opportunities through Moody Bible Institute
• Weekly team devotions that foster spiritual growth and meaningful connections with colleagues
• Weekly chapel services featuring worship, biblical teaching, and community engagement

Why Join Us

At Moody, your work supports more than daily operations. It helps create an environment where students are equipped academically, professionally, and spiritually to make Christ known around the world. As part of our Dining Services team, you will contribute to a welcoming campus experience while serving alongside colleagues committed to excellence and ministry impact.

Join us and help ensure our campus community has the resources and support needed to thrive every day.