Director of Purchasing

Summary:

We are seeking a Director of Purchasing to lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives across food and packaging categories. This organization supports a large national restaurant system and works closely with key stakeholders to ensure consistent supply, optimal cost structures, and high performance standards. The Director will oversee a team of Purchasing Managers and play a critical role in supplier negotiations, category strategy development, and cross-functional collaboration with innovation, quality assurance, and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Purchasing Managers to become autonomous category leaders.
• Build and manage supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply and competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with operational goals.
• Negotiate contracts and develop supply matrices to optimize landed costs across distribution centers.
• Monitor vendor capacity and distribution capabilities to meet quality, cost, and service expectations.
• Stay informed on commodity markets and pricing trends to guide forecasting and RFP strategies.
• Conduct regular business reviews and performance evaluations with suppliers.
• Support product development initiatives and ensure smooth market introductions.
• Ensure compliance with contracting protocols and maintain accurate supply agreements.
• Communicate promotional and marketing activities to relevant suppliers.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Align team goals with organizational objectives.
• Provide clear performance expectations and timely feedback.
• Support professional development and conduct formal evaluations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Additional Duties:

• Present purchasing programs to internal committees as required.
• Support company-wide initiatives including financial reviews and strategic planning.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal leadership and external partners.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience in procurement or supply chain management.
• Experience in foodservice or restaurant operations is a plus.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.