Director of Purchasing

About the role

The Director of Purchasing at Ben E. Keith Company is responsible for assisting with planning and executing purchasing initiatives to maximize profitability for the division and increase market share. Key responsibilities include establishing and implementing effective procurement programs, collaborating with sales and marketing teams, managing relationships with internal and external customers, identifying areas of improvement, and developing and administering procurement policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and executing purchasing initiatives to maximize profitability for the division and increase market share.
• Establish and implement effective procurement programs and processes to ensure continued customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Sales, and Marketing in the development of strategic marketing campaigns to optimize sales performance.
• Manage relationships with internal and external customers to identify effective procurement opportunities.
• Identify areas of improvement within the procurement process to ensure conformance to company policy.
• Work with Division General Manager or Assistant General Manager to determine departmental budget and monitor actual performance against budget.
• Develop, review and evaluate procurement policies, and drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process.
• Manage Purchasing Division employees to ensure division purchasing guidelines are met.
• Directs daily activities of division staff to ensure compliance with corporate, contractual and legal requirements.
• Develop staff and determine best methods for performance enhancement and ensure adherence to BEK guidelines.
• Ensure training is in place to address situations where direct reports do not/cannot demonstrate competency.
• Participate in annual goal-setting, including monthly and/or semi-annual goal review meetings.
• Perform scheduled one-on-one performance reviews.
• Maintain and optimize internal purchasing systems to optimize performance, to include optimization of purchasing income.
• Formulate and administer procurement system policies and develop long-range goals and objectives.
• Analyze market conditions to determine present and future product availability.
• Review and evaluate reports to ensure month-end financial goals are met.
• Monitor and forecast key cost drivers and market factors.
• Develop, manage and negotiate purchasing agreements, contracts and proposals, and create pricing strategy within limits of authority delegated by the Vice President of Purchasing.
• Manage relationships with approved brokers and vendors and seek opportunities to develop new relationships to maintain competitive edge.
• Lead resolution of significant purchasing dispute and claim issues.
• Resolve supplier problems regarding schedules, quantities, manufacturers and specifications.
• Periodically review price list strategy to optimize sales performance.
• Manage the day-to-day tasks and perform training of direct reports.
• Assess performance of direct reports and provide feedback.
• Consistently demonstrate and model good management and self-management practices in support of BEK culture.
• Help to ensure regulatory guidelines are met by Purchasing Division.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or related industry.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Purchasing or Manufacturing.
• At least 4 years of management experience preferred.
• Experience with procurement software applications.
• In-depth knowledge of cost controls and pricing strategy.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications.
• Sales and marketing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Food Service industry preferred, as well as state and federal regulations.
• Ability to drive cost reductions.
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Presentation Development and Delivery.
• Superior Prioritization Management.
• Strong Analytical Skills.
• Relationship Management.
• Able to Manage Others.
• Detail-Oriented.
• Customer Relations.
• High Level of Enthusiasm and Optimism.
• Self-Motivated.
• Strong Negotiation/Problem-Solving Skills.
• Planning and Organizational Skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or related industry.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Purchasing or Manufacturing.
• At least 4 years of management experience preferred.
• Experience with procurement software applications.
• In-depth knowledge of cost controls and pricing strategy.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications.
• Sales and marketing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Food Service industry preferred, as well as state and federal regulations.
• Ability to drive cost reductions.

Skills

• Verbal and Written Communication Presentation Development and Delivery.
• Prioritization Management.
• Analytical Skills.
• Relationship Management.
• Management of Others.
• Detail-Oriented.
• Customer Relations.
• Enthusiasm and Optimism.
• Self-Motivation.
• Negotiation/Problem-Solving Skills.
• Planning and Organizational Skills.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance.
• Short and Long Term Disability.
• 401K with matching contribution.
• Profit-Sharing Plan (100% company-paid).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.
• Education Assistance Program.
• Paid Vacation and holidays.
• Employee Credit Union.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.