Vendor Manager

Gourmet Foods International • Kenosha, WI

3d • $60,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Gourmet Foods International is seeking a Vendor Manager who is passionate about artisan food and interested in sourcing innovative products. The role builds relationships with artisan producers and helps vendors forecast and market gourmet products. The position is based at GFI Midwest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is full-time, and has a day shift. The listed salary range is $60,000–$90,000 per year, with no travel percentage specified in the job details, although domestic and international vendor visits may be needed.

Requirements

• A college degree is required.
• Organized supply management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain vendor relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with internal departments, management, and vendors.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• 3–5 years of food industry experience, preferably in imports.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with internal departments and external suppliers.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience working in a large, complex, multi-location distribution center organization.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to recognize future trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Taste and source new artisanal and imported products.
• Travel domestically and internationally to visit key and new vendors as needed.
• Create purchase orders to facilitate timely replenishment of all distribution centers.
• Use negotiation skills to ensure the lowest cost to market.
• Communicate with assigned vendors and/or the sales team to support optimal sales.
• Monitor inventory at all distribution centers and complete transfers as appropriate to eliminate unnecessary food waste.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and brokers to support sourcing, bidding, negotiation, selection, approval, and quality of assigned product lines.
• Maintain, improve, and monitor supplier and item data to ensure accuracy.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities.
• College reimbursement.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• 401(k) with matching contributions.
• Profit sharing.
• Competitive salaries.
• Flexible paid time off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Free college tuition.
• Paid parental leave.
• Professional development programs.
• Opportunity to grow within the company.
• Team Member discount.
• Team Member referral bonus.
• Bonus and incentives.
• Company-provided equipment.

What This Job Offers

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