Strategic Purchasing Leader — Inventory & Forecasting

Van Eerden Foodservice; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Eerden Foodservice in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead our buying team and optimize inventory performance across multiple facilities. You will develop and coach Category Buyers, own replenishment and inventory planning, and drive improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and supplier accountability to support growth and operational excellence.

This leadership role requires 5+ years in purchasing or inventory management, a Bachelor’s degree, and strong

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, or related supply chain roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field.
• Strong forecasting and inventory management knowledge.
• Advanced Excel proficiency for analysis.
• Experience with Blue Ridge or similar forecasting systems.
• Experience in foodservice distribution or inventory-heavy industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the buying team across facilities.
• Own replenishment execution and inventory planning.
• Improve service levels and forecast accuracy.
• Monitor turns, days on hand, and inventory health.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks with vendors and cross-functional partners.
• Establish supplier performance scorecards.

Skills

Purchasing

Inventory management

Replenishment

Demand planning

Category management

Forecasting

Supplier performance

Excel proficiency

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field

Tools

Blue Ridge

Job description

Van Eerden Foodservice in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead our buying team and optimize inventory performance across multiple facilities. You will develop and coach Category Buyers, own replenishment and inventory planning, and drive improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and supplier accountability to support growth and operational excellence.

This leadership role requires 5+ years in purchasing or inventory management, a Bachelor’s degree, and strong