Vice President of Purchasing - Foodservice Distribution

iLocatum; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilocatum in Davenport, IA seeks a senior procurement leader to manage inventory procurement, vendor negotiations, and department leadership on the executive team. You will drive profitability through supplier programs, freight management, and annual marketing initiatives while aligning the product portfolio to customer demand.

The role oversees procurement operations, performance metrics, expense and revenue management, and compliance with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Personnel Management: Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate department staff, ensuring proper staffing levels and performance management.
• Inventory & Vendor Management: Maintain optimal inventory levels, negotiate pricing and programs with suppliers, and uphold service-level standards.
• Customer & Vendor Relations: Serve as primary point of contact for accounts and suppliers with professional communication and high fulfillment standards.
• Process Improvement: Establish and refine departmental procedures to maximize operational efficiency and productivity.
• Strategic Oversight: Oversee secondary operations such as internal logistics and specialized merchandising teams.
• Marketing & Promotional Execution: Direct all marketing functions including trade shows, promotions, digital campaigns, sales incentives, product launches, and catalogs.
• Strategic Growth & Sales Support: Lead strategic bid analyses and collaborate across functions to grow private-label or exclusive lines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job description

Position Purpose

Responsible for managing all aspects of inventory procurement, vendor negotiations, department leadership (hiring, training, coaching, and counseling), and achievement of organizational goals established by the executive team. Ensures profitability through effective supplier programs and freight management while developing and executing annual marketing initiatives. Manages the product portfolio to meet customer demands while optimizing local and corporate revenue. Conducts major product evaluations and demonstrations with key accounts to retain existing business and secure new accounts.

This leader serves on the senior leadership team, reports to the President, and directs procurement operations, performance metrics, expense and revenue management, sales support, and compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Key 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.