VP of Purchasing

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking an accomplished procurement leader to manage inventory procurement, vendor negotiations, and department leadership.

The role includes directing profitability through supplier programs, freight management, and executing annual marketing initiatives to meet organizational goals established by the executive team. The selected candidate will serve on the senior leadership team, report to the President, and oversee procurement operations, performance metrics,

Qualifications

• Experience managing procurement and inventory in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers and manage freight programs.
• Ability to develop annual marketing initiatives and drive revenue.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Personnel Management: Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate department staff.
• Inventory & Vendor Management: Maintain optimal inventory; negotiate pricing; manage stock dispositions; uphold service levels.
• Customer & Vendor Relations: Serve as primary contact for accounts and suppliers; ensure prompt communication and high fulfillment standards.
• Process Improvement: Establish and refine procedures to maximize efficiency.
• Strategic Oversight: Oversee internal logistics and merchandising teams as assigned.
• Marketing & Promotional Execution: Direct marketing functions including trade shows, campaigns, launches; maximize supplier participation.
• Strategic Growth & Sales Support: Lead bid analyses; collaborate cross-functionally to grow private-label or exclusive lines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Inventory management

Vendor negotiations

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Job description

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.