Director Procurement-Protein

Position Overview

The Director of Procurement - Protein Commodities is an expert in protein purchasing and supports restaurant operations with priorities of quality, food safety, and price. This role oversees day-to-day sourcing and contracting functions for protein items and plays a critical role in forecasting market conditions, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate purchases for protein items in all formats, with primary responsibility for pork, chicken, and dairy, and serve as back-up for beef procurement.
• Analyze protein markets to forecast company needs, product availability, and cost of goods sold.
• Review, evaluate, and approve product specifications for issuing and awarding business.
• Monitor inventories and purchase spot products when necessary or advantageous.
• Manage audits of pricing received for applicable product categories.
• Develop purchasing procedures that ensure quality standards while minimizing costs.
• Support operations and distribution partners by resolving purchasing and distribution issues.
• Partner with Food Safety to address quality and safety matters related to protein sourcing.
• Research and source alternate vendors, coordinating evaluations, testing, and approvals.
• Collaborate with Culinary and cross-functional partners on continuous cost improvement initiatives.
• Review product claims, ensure payment accuracy, and coordinate corrective actions with suppliers.
• Resolve vendor grievances and claims.
• Represent the company in supplier negotiations and contract formulation.
• Prepare reports and presentations on market conditions, costs, and forecasts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or an agricultural-related field (e.g., Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Meat or Animal Science) required.
• 7-10 years of progressive purchasing and/or sales and pricing experience with proteins, including forecasting, negotiating, and complex pricing analysis.
• Exposure to packers and slaughterhouse production facilities required.