VP of Purchasing

Sun Recruiting, Inc.; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Recruiting, Inc. seeks a Senior Procurement Leader to manage procurement, inventory, and vendor programs, reporting to the executive team.

You will lead a cross-functional team in driving profitability through effective supplier negotiations and strategic marketing initiatives. The role requires oversight of product portfolio strategy, business development with key accounts, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in procurement or supply chain.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and negotiate with suppliers.
• Strong focus on cost control, revenue optimization, and compliance with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement operations and supplier negotiations.
• Lead staff hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Manage inventory levels, vendor programs, and freight management.
• Direct marketing functions, trade shows, and promotional campaigns.
• Drive strategic bid analyses and collaboration with sales and category teams.
• Improve processes to maximize efficiency and profitability.

Skills

Personnel management

Inventory & vendor management

Vendor relations

Process improvement

Strategic oversight

Marketing & promotions

Strategic growth & sales support

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.