VP of Purchasing

Launching Point; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Launching Point seeks an experienced procurement and inventory leader to manage supplier programs, negotiate terms, and lead a cross-functional team focused on profitability and growth. You will oversee inventory strategy, freight management, and strategic marketing collaborations to meet customer demand.

The role sits on the senior leadership team, reporting to the President, and guiding performance metrics, expenses, and compliance across procurement operations.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in procurement or supply chain.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage budgets.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Experience aligning procurement with marketing and sales objectives.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop department staff, ensuring staffing and performance objectives are met.
• Oversee inventory levels, supplier programs, and freight management to optimize cash flow.
• Lead strategic bid analyses and collaborate with sales and product teams to grow private-label lines.
• Direct marketing functions, from trade shows to digital campaigns and catalogs.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Personnel management

Inventory management

Vendor negotiations

Strategic planning

Marketing campaign coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

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.