VP Purchasing

Korn Ferry; New Jersey; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

[Private Food Manufacturer] in New Jersey is seeking a visionary Vice President, Purchasing to oversee plant equipment procurement, supplier management, and capital projects. You will lead strategic sourcing, budget oversight, and supplier negotiations to drive cost-efficiency and ensure quality across production lines.

The role requires 10–15 years in procurement and capital projects, plus at least 5 years in senior management within food manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
• 10–15 years in procurement, supply chain management, capital project management.
• At least 5 years in senior management within food manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience with procurement systems and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement strategy for capital expenditures on plant facilities and related supplies and services.
• Oversee capital project budgets and ensure alignment with timelines and financial constraints.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers; manage vendor relationships.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations to ensure quality, cost targets, and delivery schedules.
• Collaborate with production, quality, finance, and operations to align procurement with business needs.
• Mentor purchasing team and drive continuous improvement in procurement and capital projects.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Leadership

Analytical mindset

Project management

Change management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Tools

Procurement systems

Project management software

Job description

The Company is a state-of-the-art food manufacturer headquartered in New Jersey. Privately operated since 1995, the company is now one of the country’s largest producers and distributors of fruit juices, drinks and yogurt. The company is also a leading private label and co-pack juice and yogurt producer, manufacturing products for numerous leading retailers and brands.

Over 500 highly skilled and dedicated employees staff the company’s complex, distributing its products internationally to consumers through supermarkets, warehouse club stores, convenience stores, wholesalers, dairy distributors, independent grocery stores and food service organizations. The portfolio of branded products are distributed primarily on the East Coast, where they enjoy leading market shares in the categories in which they compete.

The investments the company has made in its state-of-the-art plants and manufacturing systems reflect its continued commitment to provide only the highest quality products and services while supporting the elevated volume and service requirements of today's customers. Maintaining SQF Level 2, Grade A and HACCP certifications, this company additionally boasts the most modern and technologically advanced refrigerated juice processing plant in the United States. From its production facilities to its innovative marketing techniques, the company is committed to employing the best in human resources and physical assets to produce yogurt and juice products that set the standard for the food manufacturing industry.

Purpose of the Position

The Vice President, Purchasing is responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement of all plant equipment, machinery, related technologies, parts room maintenance, service procurement as well as providing direction on capital projects. This role ensures that all equipment and related supplies required for food manufacturing are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with quality and safety standards. Additionally, the Vice President, Purchasing will oversee capital procurement for facility expansions, equipment purchases, and major infrastructure projects that support the company’s manufacturing capabilities. This leadership position involves strategic planning, supplier negotiations, capital project management, inventory oversight, and cost analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Procurement Strategy:

• Assist in the development and implementation of the overall purchasing strategy for capital expenditure on plant facilities and related supplies and services.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align procurement and capital project goals with corporate objectives and manufacturing needs.
• Identify new suppliers, equipment vendors, and alternative sourcing options to mitigate risk and ensure continuous supply of materials and equipment.
• Procure company-wide service agreements, managing statement-of-work based contracts to secure expertise, increase compliance, and drive cost-effectiveness.

Capital Project Procurement and Management

• Lead procurement activities for capital projects, including acquisition of machinery, technology, and equipment to support facility expansions and production line upgrades.
• Develop and manage budgets for capital projects, ensuring that all purchases align with project timelines and financial constraints.
• Work closely with the production and operations teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of capital assets required for new or expanded facilities.
• Oversee the tendering and contracting process for capital projects, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships for capital projects and equipment suppliers, negotiating pricing, warranties, and service agreements.
• Monitor progress on capital projects and resolve issues related to equipment delivery, installation, and commissioning.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key suppliers of machinery, technology, equipment and services ensuring timely delivery at competitive prices.
• Lead negotiations on pricing,contract terms, and agreements with suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with quality standards, cost targets, and delivery schedules.

Cost Control and Budgeting:

• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality or safety.
• Monitor trends in procurement cost and provide recommendations to leadership for mitigating price volatility.
• Identify and implement efficient sourcing and procurement methods to reduce overall expenses, both operational and capital.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all purchase materials and capital assets comply with industry regulations, food safety standards, and company quality specifications.
• Stay informed about evolving food safety laws, sustainability practices, and environmental guidelines affecting procurement.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing team, fostering a high-performance, collaborative environment.
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular reviews, and provide ongoing training to ensure the team is equipped to meet goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the purchasing and capital project functions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments, including production, quality control, finance, and operations, to ensure procurement and capital project operations are aligned with the needs of the business.
• Provide input and insights into new product development to ensure the availability of necessary materials and equipment for new product lines and manufacturing upgrades.

The Candidate

Experience, Professional Qualifications, & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field
• Experience: At least 10-15 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, capital project management, with at least 5 years in senior management role-within food manufacturing or similar industry.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• In depth knowledge of supply chain processes, capital project management, inventory management, and cost control
• Experience with procurement systems and projectmanagement tools.
• Demonstrated abilityto provide leadership in organizational change.
• Analytical mindsetwith a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Ability to managemultiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and people skills
• Experience in capital project budgeting, planning, and execution, including familiarity with industrial equipment and facility upgrades.