VP of Purchasing

Sora Resource Group; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sora Resource Group in Davenport, IA is seeking an experienced Procurement and Operations Leader to oversee inventory procurement, vendor negotiations, and department leadership. You will align supplier programs with profitability and drive strategic growth through cross-functional collaboration with sales, culinary, and branding teams.

The role requires hands-on leadership of procurement operations, performance metrics, and compliance with safety standards, delivering annual marketing

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in procurement/operations.
• Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers and manage vendor programs.
• Experience managing marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns.
• Strong strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee personnel management and staff development.
• Manage inventory levels and supplier pricing.
• Maintain primary accounts with prompt communication.
• Develop and refine operational procedures.
• Oversee logistics and merchandising teams.
• Direct marketing, tradeshows, campaigns and catalogs.
• Lead strategic bid analyses for accounts and growth of private-label lines.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Procurement

Vendor management

Inventory management

Negotiation

Marketing

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

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.