VP of Purchasing

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

Job summary

H. T. PROF Group seeks a senior procurement and inventory leader to oversee all aspects of procurement, vendor negotiations, and department leadership.

The role drives profitability through supplier programs, freight management, and strategic marketing initiatives. The incumbent will manage the product portfolio to meet customer demands, optimize local and corporate revenue, and guide major product evaluations with key accounts to retain and grow business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading procurement and inventory operations.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Experience aligning procurement with marketing and sales goals.
• Ability to drive cost reduction while maintaining service levels.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of inventory procurement and vendor negotiations.
• Direct department leadership including hiring, training, coaching, and counseling.
• Develop and execute annual marketing initiatives and campaigns.
• Oversee product portfolio to meet customer demands and optimize revenue.
• Lead strategic bid analyses for major accounts and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Procurement leadership

Inventory management

Vendor negotiations

Marketing execution

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.