Business and Procurement Manager

Encore Community Services • New York, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Business and Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing Encore’s commissary kitchen catering contracts, vendor relationships, purchasing operations, and supply chain management. This position manages contract negotiations and procurement activities for food services, raw food purchasing, disposable supplies, office materials, and nutrition program supplies while ensuring cost efficiency, quality standards, and timely delivery of goods and services. The role works closely with program, finance, and operations staff to support organizational needs and maintain effective inventory and purchasing controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, food service operations, or vendor management.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of food purchasing, inventory management, and procurement best practices preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nonprofit, senior services, congregate meal, or commissary kitchen environments.
• Familiarity with government-funded program procurement requirements.
• Experience with food vendors, catering operations, or institutional purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement strategic purchasing initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce organizational procurement costs.
• Evaluate pricing trends, vendor agreements, and purchasing practices to achieve measurable cost savings while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Develop competitive bidding and sourcing strategies designed to target annual savings goals, including an aspirational reduction of up to 10% in applicable purchasing categories.
• Standardize purchasing procedures and product selections where appropriate to maximize economies of scale.
• Provide regular reporting to leadership on purchasing trends, savings initiatives, and vendor performance metrics.
• Maintaining and reviewing Encore’s Procurement Policies and Procedures on an annual basis.
• Manage Encore’s commissary kitchen catering contracts and vendor relationships.
• Lead negotiations for catering, food service, and supply contracts to secure favorable pricing and service terms.
• Monitor vendor performance, contract compliance, pricing structures, and service quality.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, distributors, and service providers.
• Research and evaluate new vendors and sourcing opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee purchasing activities for raw food and kitchen ingredients, disposable food service supplies, nutrition program supplies, and office and operational supplies.
• Coordinate purchasing schedules to ensure uninterrupted program operations.
• Review and approve purchase requests, invoices, and procurement documentation.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with organizational policies and funding source requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and implement inventory control procedures.
• Coordinate with kitchen, program, and administrative staff regarding supply needs and usage trends.
• Analyze purchasing data and spending patterns to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Assist with budget planning and forecasting related to procurement and food service operations.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and vendor files.
• Reconcile purchasing records and assist finance staff with invoice verification and payment processing.
• Develop and monitor procurement-related budgets.
• Track actual spending against budget.
• Identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support annual budget development and forecasting.
• Prepare reports related to purchasing activity, vendor performance, and cost analysis.
• Support audit requests and documentation related to procurement activities.

Benefits

• medical insurance (with Employee contribution)
• Dental & Vision plans with coverage beginning on the first day of hire
• generous paid time off (vacation, personal days, sick days and earned floating holidays)
• 403(b) with 3% Employer Match after a year of employment
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care and transit benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level