Chief Procurement & Inventory Strategy

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking a senior procurement leader to manage inventory procurement, vendor negotiations, and departmental leadership reporting to the President. You will drive profitability through supplier programs, freight management, and annual marketing initiatives.

You will oversee product portfolios, major evaluations with key accounts, and cross-functional collaboration with sales and category teams to grow private-label or exclusive lines while ensuring compliance and safety

Responsibilities

• Personnel management: supervise, train, coach, and evaluate department staff, ensuring proper staffing levels, performance management, and effective problem resolution.
• Inventory & vendor management: Maintain optimal inventory levels to enhance financial performance and cash flow. Negotiate pricing and programs with suppliers, manage proprietary stock dispositions, and uphold strict service-level standards.
• Customer & vendor relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for accounts and suppliers, ensuring prompt, accurate, and professional communication while maintaining high fulfillment standards.
• Process improvement: Establish and refine departmental procedures to maximize operational efficiency and productivity based on industry expertise.
• Strategic oversight: Oversee secondary operational units, such as internal logistics/freight control and specialized merchandising teams, as assigned.
• Marketing & promotional execution: Direct all marketing functions, including trade shows, promotional events, digital campaigns, sales incentives, product launches, and targeted catalogs. Maximize supplier financial participation.
• Strategic growth & sales support: Lead strategic bid analyses for major prospective and existing accounts. Collaborate cross-functionally with sales specialists, category managers, culinary professionals, and brand development leads to drive the growth of private-label or exclusive product lines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job description

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking a senior procurement leader to manage inventory procurement, vendor negotiations, and departmental leadership reporting to the President. You will drive profitability through supplier programs, freight management, and annual marketing initiatives.

You will oversee product portfolios, major evaluations with key accounts, and cross-functional collaboration with sales and category teams to grow private-label or exclusive lines while ensuring compliance and safety