Head of Purchasing - Distribution

Bunzl Career • St. Louis, MO

5d

About The Position

The Head of Purchasing is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the replenishment of over $4 billion in goods purchased both domestically and internationally, supporting a distribution network of over 50 centers. This role ensures operational excellence in replenishment execution, demand planning, and supplier engagement. Ideal location is St. Louis, Missouri. However, we will consider candidates located in any major metropolitan area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in inventory management, replenishment, demand planning, supply chain, or procurement operations.
• Proven leadership in managing large-scale inventory management teams and complex import replenishment operations.
• Strong understanding of global supply chain dynamics, demand planning, and purchasing systems.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a direct team of 30 professionals focused on import purchasing and demand planning. Provide strategic oversight and indirect leadership to 140 buyers across 14 field locations. Develop talent, foster collaboration, and drive performance across a geographically dispersed team.
• Ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing execution aligned with demand forecasts and inventory strategies. Oversee import operations, compliance, and coordination with logistics and distribution teams. Monitor and manage purchasing KPIs including service levels, lead times, and inventory health.
• Collaborate with sourcing and supplier relationship teams to support supplier partnerships and performance. Participate in supplier meetings and occasional travel to supplier sites to reinforce alignment and execution. Ensure purchasing operations are aligned with supplier capabilities and strategic goals.
• Partner with sourcing, supply chain, finance, and product teams to support business objectives. Contribute to planning and forecasting processes to ensure supply continuity and responsiveness. Support risk mitigation efforts through proactive communication and operational agility.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days - Minimum 30 hours per week
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
• 401K with generous company match
• Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks.
• Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees