VP of Purchasing

RNInk; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RNInk is seeking an executive to lead procurement, inventory, and vendor management. The role directs staff, negotiates with suppliers, and aligns procurement with corporate goals while supporting marketing initiatives and private-label product growth.

The position reports to the President as part of the senior leadership team and focuses on profitability, product portfolio management, and strategic growth through key accounts and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Directs procurement operations and supplier programs.
• Leads negotiations with vendors and freight partners.
• Manages hiring, training, coaching, and counseling of department staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inventory procurement to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Negotiate pricing, programs, and service levels with suppliers.
• Lead marketing initiatives and manage private-label or exclusive product lines.
• Direct cross-functional collaboration with sales, category managers, culinary professionals and brand leads.
• Provide strategic growth and sales support through major bid analyses and account management.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Vendor negotiations

Coaching

Strategic planning

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.