Strategic Procurement Specialist | Margin-Driven Buyer

Gator Chef Restaurant Equipment & Kitchen Supplies; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

PTO and paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Direct exposure to business leadership

Job summary

Gator Chef Restaurant Equipment & Kitchen Supplies in Lisle, IL is seeking a sharp Procurement Specialist (Buyer) to own purchasing across our catalog—heavy equipment, tabletop, and disposables. This on-site role emphasizes strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and cost-saving focus to impact the bottom line.

You will optimize inventory, negotiate terms, and collaborate with Inside Sales and Operations to meet project timelines and customer needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on purchasing, buying, or supply chain inventory experience.
• Background in commercial equipment, restaurant supplies, wholesale, or B2B industrial distribution is a major plus.
• Proactive follow-through on open issues, cost-saving efforts, and resolving issues without continuous oversight.
• Strong attention to detail to catch discrepancies that affect margins and costs.
• Analytical and resourceful with understanding of COGS and data-driven buying decisions.
• Growth mindset and eagerness to master the product catalog and procurement skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/purchasing software and Microsoft Excel, plus clear written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Full-Catalog Purchasing & Inventory Optimization: Manage POs across heavy equipment, kitchen supplies, tabletop goods, and disposables, balancing lead times and stock to optimize in-stock levels and costs.
• Margin & Landed-Cost Scrutiny: Review vendor price sheets, freight thresholds, bulk discounts, and payment terms to reduce landed costs and improve margins.
• Vendor Accountability & Negotiation: Build and maintain partnerships with manufacturers and distributors; ensure lead times, fill rates, and price guarantees.
• Invoice & Receiving Reconciliation: Detect errors early; coordinate with Receiving and AP to resolve variances, freight claims, and backorders.
• Cross-Department Support: Collaborate with Inside Sales and Customer Operations to source specialty items and provide accurate fulfillment timelines.
• Process & Workflow Improvement: Streamline replenishment workflows and explore alternate sourcing during shortages.

Skills

Grit & Tenacity

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Learning mindset

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

ERP/purchasing software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Gator Chef Restaurant Equipment & Kitchen Supplies in Lisle, IL is seeking a sharp Procurement Specialist (Buyer) to own purchasing across our catalog—heavy equipment, tabletop, and disposables. This on-site role emphasizes strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and cost-saving focus to impact the bottom line.

You will optimize inventory, negotiate terms, and collaborate with Inside Sales and Operations to meet project timelines and customer needs.