Head of Supply Chain Operations

Sterling St James LLC; Minnesota; On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC is seeking a procurement leader to manage all aspects of product procurement, including vendor negotiations, hiring, training, and coaching staff. You will drive profitability through vendor programs, inbound freight, and annual marketing initiatives, while supporting essential food distribution operations.

The role emphasizes supervision, strategic sourcing, and process improvements to optimize purchasing effectiveness in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 6-7+ years in procurement with supervisory experience.
• Diploma/GED or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the foodservice industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises associates to include staffing, training, coaching, performance management, and problem resolution.
• Negotiate with vendors for the best price and program.
• Manage inventory levels to optimize cash flow and service levels.
• Maintain fill-rate service levels in line with the company’s standards.
• Develop purchasing strategies and stay current with the food distribution industry.

Skills

Procurement

Supervisory experience

Vendor negotiation

Education

Diploma/GED or equivalent

Job description

Job Description:

• Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more. Compensation range: 110,000 to 135,000
• Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America’s food distribution system.
• Safe and inclusive working environment, including culture of rewards, recognition, and respect.

Position Purpose:

Responsible for managing all aspects of product procurement, including program negotiation with manufacturers, hiring, training, coaching, and counseling of all staff members; achieving corporate goals as established by the senior management team; ensuring corporate profitability as related to vendor bill-back and inbound freight programs; and development and execution of annual marketing programs. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Supervises associates to include, but not limited to: staffing, training, coaching, performance management, and problem resolution.
• Manage an acceptable level of inventory which best enhances the company’s financial position. Negotiate with vendors for the best price and program. Dispose of proprietary inventory of lost customers. Manage inventory dollar levels to achieve optimum cash flow and service level.
• Interact with customers and vendors in a friendly, timely, and quality manner; ensure customers’ and vendors’ questions are answered accurately and promptly. Respond to customer inquiries. Maintain fill-rate service levels in line with the company’s standards.
• Establish procedures which increase the efficiency of the purchasing department and allow the department to function at the highest level of productivity.
• Improve purchasing strategies and processes based upon knowledge of the food distribution industry. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of and continued development in the foodservice industry.
• May be responsible for managing the marketing/merchandising function.

Qualifications:

• Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience
• 6- 7+years in procurement or a related area with supervisory experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bac
• 107+years in procurement with supervisory/management experience in the foodservice industry.