Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager will lead the procurement of foodservice products, equipment, and operational supplies across multiple distribution centers, ensuring optimal inventory levels, supplier performance, and service continuity. This role drives cost-effective purchasing strategies, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement while building strong partnerships across the business. The ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven leader who develops high-performing teams, fosters collaboration, and delivers results through effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, inventory management, demand planning, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of supervisory, team lead, or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, and replenishment practices.
• Experience working with Purchasing, Inventory, and Demand Management systems.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with SAP or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience in foodservice, distribution, supply chain, or related industries.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Inventory & Demand Planning
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation & Influencing Skills
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Process Improvement
• Team Leadership & Development
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Results Orientation

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Lead purchasing activities for foodservice products, equipment, and operational supplies across multiple distribution centers.
• Ensure adequate inventory levels to support projected sales and service-level objectives.
• Monitor inventory performance and implement strategies to optimize stock levels while minimizing costs.
• Review expedited purchasing requests and identify cost-effective solutions to meet operational needs.
• Partner with distribution center teams to prioritize receipt of critical purchase orders.

Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Evaluate supplier performance and collaborate with vendors to improve service levels, product availability, and inventory turns.
• Negotiate supplier agreements and work with vendors to improve purchasing terms and order efficiencies.
• Lead supplier meetings to address issues, drive accountability, and strengthen business partnerships.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve procurement effectiveness.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Analyze purchasing and inventory data to optimize replenishment strategies and support service-level goals.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to improve procurement processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide guidance on inventory planning and material requirements planning (MRP) settings to support business objectives.
• Leverage data and reporting to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyers and procurement professionals.
• Establish performance expectations and provide regular feedback, coaching, and career development opportunities.
• Monitor team productivity and ensure timely purchase order maintenance and issue resolution.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development planning.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding activities.
• Recommend personnel actions including promotions, transfers, salary adjustments, and disciplinary actions, as appropriate.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.

Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as a key procurement partner to internal stakeholders across operations, distribution, sales, and supply chain functions.
• Communicate department priorities, business updates, and process changes to the team.
• Keep leadership informed of significant issues, risks, and opportunities requiring escalation or support.
• Perform other duties as assigned