VP of Procurement

Food distributor, maintains a unique relationship with a variety of local customers, including independent restaurants and hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, and quick-service eateries. A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close relationships with customers — providing advice on improving operations, menu development, product selection, and operational strategies. The team delivers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to help independent restaurant owners achieve their dreams.

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, 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 on board new customers.

This leader is a member of the senior leadership team, reporting to the President, and is responsible for management of Marketing Department staff and provides direction of the Sales Support staff, achieving performance metrics, expense and revenue management, and compliance with established safety standards and government regulations.

Supervise associates to include, 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 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 in a timely manner. Respond to customer inquiries. Maintain fill rate service levels to company’s standards.

Establish procedures which increase the efficiency of the purchasing department and allow the department to function 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.

Manage in house logistics department functions, maximizing control of inbound freight.

Participate in all marketing functions including, but not limited to, Food Shows; Market Focused Shows; Sales Incentive Promotions; Customer Focused Promotions; New Product Launches and Segmented Catalogs.

Maximize vendor financial participation and activity.

Participate and lead strategic bid analysis for large potential and existing customers.

Responsible for growth and development