Dining Services Purchaser

Moody Bible Institute; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Moody Bible Institute seeks a detail-oriented Dining Services Purchaser to support daily operations in our Dining Services department. You will manage purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and storage of food and supplies to ensure smooth service for students, employees, and guests.

Reporting to Dining Services leadership, you will build vendor relationships, monitor stock levels, and help plan menu availability while upholding food-safety standards and a positive, service-driven culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, receiving, and inventory control in a food-service or hospitality setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with vendors, teammates, and customers.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with FIFO inventory practices and basic food-safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate purchasing and receiving of food, beverages, and supplies for Dining Services.
• Maintain relationships with vendors to ensure price, delivery, and service expectations.
• Monitor inventory levels and usage to support efficient operations and minimize waste.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, receiving, invoicing, and inventory records.
• Assist with menu planning through product availability and inventory coordination.
• Provide excellent customer service to staff, students, and guests.
• Train and supervise student workers in receiving and storeroom duties.

Skills

Vendor relations

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Detail orientation

Purchasing knowledge

Customer service

Problem-solving

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

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 Youll 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, eceiving, 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 you