Director of Purchasing

Ben E. Keith Company•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The purpose of the Director of Purchasing is to assist with planning and perform the execution of Ben E. Keith purchasing initiatives in order to maximize profitability for the division and increase the company’s overall market share. This role involves establishing and implementing effective procurement programs and processes, collaborating with various departments on strategic campaigns, managing internal and external customer relationships, and identifying areas for improvement within the procurement process to ensure conformance to company policy. The Director will also work with division management to determine departmental budgets, monitor performance, and develop, review, and evaluate procurement policies to drive continuous improvement. Additionally, this role includes managing Purchasing Division employees, directing daily activities to ensure compliance with requirements, developing staff, and ensuring training is in place. The Director will participate in annual goal-setting, conduct performance reviews, monitor and manage internal purchasing systems, and formulate/administer procurement system policies and long-range goals. Analysis of market conditions, review of financial reports, and monitoring of cost drivers are also key responsibilities. The role involves developing, managing, and negotiating purchasing agreements, contracts, and proposals, creating pricing strategies, managing relationships with brokers and vendors, and resolving disputes and supplier issues. Periodic review of price list strategy and day-to-day management and training of direct reports are also part of the role, along with assessing performance and providing feedback. The Director is expected to consistently demonstrate and model good management and self-management practices in support of the BEK culture and help ensure regulatory guidelines are met by the 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
Ability to drive cost reductions
Knowledge of procurement principles and processes
Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
Presentation Development and Delivery
Superior Prioritization Management
Strong Analytical Skills
Relationship Management
Ability to Manage Others
Detail-Oriented
Customer Relations
High Level of Enthusiasm and Optimism
Self-Motivated
Strong Negotiation/Problem-Solving Skills
Planning and Organizational Skills

Nice To Haves

Sales and marketing experience preferred
Knowledge of Food Service industry preferred, as well as state and federal regulations

Responsibilities

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.
Monitor internal purchasing systems and manage the parameters 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.
Develop agreements with brokers and vendors that maximize purchasing activities for the division.
Lead resolution of significant purchasing dispute and claim issues.
Resolves 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.