VP of Procurement

Aspire Talent Solutions; Minnesota; On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

401K Employer Matching

Education Assistance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Aspire Talent Solutions in Minnesota seeks a seasoned procurement leader to manage vendor negotiations, staff development, and strategic purchasing programs. You will oversee procurement operations, negotiate favorable vendor terms, and drive profitability through inbound freight and inventory control.

The role emphasizes staff coaching, training, and process improvement within a food distribution context, with opportunities to lead marketing/merchandising efforts as needed.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Supervise associates including staffing, training, coaching, performance management and problem resolution.
• Manage inventory levels to improve financial position; negotiate with vendors for best price and program; handle proprietary inventory and cash flow.
• Interact with customers and vendors professionally; answer inquiries and maintain fill-rate service levels.
• Establish procedures to increase purchasing department efficiency and productivity.
• Improve purchasing strategies based on food distribution industry knowledge and continue development in foodservice.
• May manage the marketing/merchandising function.

Skills

Staff supervision

Training

Coaching

Performance management

Vendor negotiation

Inventory management

Process improvement

Education

Diploma/GED or Equivalent Experience

7+ years related 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.