VP of Procurement

True North Consultants, Inc.; Minnesota; On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking a procurement leader responsible for all aspects of product procurement, including vendor negotiation, staff development, and program profitability.

You will coordinate with management to achieve corporate goals and develop annual marketing programs within the food distribution sector. Responsibilities include supervising staff, managing inventory, interacting with customers and vendors, and improving purchasing processes to enhance productivity.

Qualifications

• Diploma/GED or equivalent experience required.
• 7+ years of related experience preferred; food or grocery distribution experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises staff including staffing, training, coaching, performance management, and problem resolution.
• Manage inventory levels to optimize cash flow and service levels; negotiate with vendors for best price and program; dispose of proprietary inventory.
• Interact with customers and vendors in a friendly, timely, and quality manner; respond to inquiries; maintain fill-rate service levels.
• Establish procedures to increase purchasing department productivity.
• Improve purchasing strategies and processes based on knowledge of the food distribution industry.
• May be responsible for managing the marketing/merchandising function.

Skills

Vendor negotiation

Staff training

Coaching

Problem solving

Inventory management

Customer/vendor relations

Education

Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience

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
7+ years of related experience is preferred. Food or Grocery distribution is preferred.