VP of Purchasing

FSN (Freedom Search Network); Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

FSN (Freedom Search Network) seeks a senior procurement leader to oversee all procurement activities, negotiate with manufacturers and vendors, and drive profitability through vendor programs and inbound freight management.

The role includes developing and executing annual procurement and marketing programs, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. A bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in procurement with supervisory experience are required; an MBA is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years in procurement or a related area with supervisory experience.
• Masters/MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise procurement staff, including staffing, training, coaching, performance management, and problem resolution.
• Negotiate with vendors for best price and program; manage vendor relations.
• Oversee inventory levels and inbound freight programs to optimize cash flow and service levels.
• Lead strategic bid analyses for large potential and existing customers; support sales and marketing teams.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Vendor negotiation

Staff coaching

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Masters/MBA (preferred)

Job description

Responsible for managing all aspects of product procurement, including program negotiation with manufacturers, hiring, training, coaching, and counseling of all staff members; achieving corporate goals as established by the senior management team; ensuring corporate profitability as related to vendor bill-back and inbound freight programs; and development and execution of annual marketing programs. Manages product portfolio to meet the customer needs while maximizing local and corporate earnings. Conducts large opportunity product cuttings with current and potential customers to penetrate existing customers and help onboard new customers.

This leader is a member of the OpCo senior leadership team, reports to the President, and is responsible for managing and directing the Procurement staff, achieving performance metrics, managing expenses and revenue, supporting the sales team, and ensuring compliance with established safety standards and government regulations.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise associates, including but not limited to staffing, training, coaching, performance management, and problem resolution.
• Manage an acceptable level of inventory which best enhances the company's financial position. Negotiate with vendors for the best price and program. Dispose of proprietary inventory of lost customers. Manage inventory dollar levels to achieve optimum cash flow and service level.
• Interact with customers and vendors in a friendly, timely, and quality manner; ensure customers' and vendors' questions are answered accurately and promptly. Respond to customer inquiries. Maintain fill rate service levels to the company's standards.
• Establish procedures that increase purchasing department efficiency and allow the department to operate at the highest level of productivity.
• Improve purchasing strategies and processes based upon knowledge of the food distribution industry. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of and continued development in the foodservice industry.
• May be responsible for managing the marketing/merchandising function and beverage-chemical team.
• Manage in-house logistics department functions, maximizing control of inbound freight.
• Responsible for all marketing functions including, but not limited to, Food Shows; Market Focused Shows; Meal Ticket, Insights and Impacts; Social Media; Sales Incentive Promotions; Customer Focused Promotions; New Product Launches and Segmented Catalogs.
• Maximize vendor financial participation and activity.
• Participate in and lead strategic bid analysis for large potential and existing customers.
• Work closely with Sales Specialists, including Corporate Chef, Brands Manager(s), non-foods Manager(s), seafood Business Development Manager(s), and Center of Plate (COP) Business Development Manager(s).
• Responsible for growth and development of exclusive brands.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience:

10 years + in procurement or a related area with supervisory experience

Preferred qualifications:

Masters/MBA

Preferred Experience:

10 years + of experience leading the procurement function in the foodservice industry