Confidential Hiring for Purchasing Manager at Greater Tampa Bay Area Full Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a proactive and collaborative leader with a proven history of achieving company goals in Procurement. Requires 10+ years of direct (food) and indirect (packaging) procurement experience, with strong food product and supplier knowledge in food service and manufacturing. Must be an innovative thinker with excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of leading and motivating a team. Occasional local, statewide, and national travel may be required for food shows and conferences.

Job Purpose

Responsible for developing and implementing demand and supply strategies to meet customer and supplier service expectations while minimizing inventory costs. Leads a procurement team focused on food and supply acquisition, overseeing initiatives and measurable improvements in procurement and supply chain operations. Manages vendor negotiations and relationships, sources new products within budget constraints, and ensures the timely delivery of raw and finished goods. Must balance strategic planning with daily execution and operate effectively in a data-driven, analytical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies for food manufacturing and high-volume catering, focusing on cost-saving initiatives.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and leverage buying opportunities to reduce food costs.
• Establish key metrics and reporting structures to inform procurement and production decisions.
• Foster a high-performance team culture with a strong performance management approach.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in procurement and demand planning using existing systems.
• Oversee company-wide sourcing and purchasing of raw materials and supplies.
• Develop procurement policies, procedures, and training programs.

Key Traits & Skills

• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication abilities.
• Experienced negotiator with analytical foresight.
• Strategic and detail-oriented problem solver.
• Capable of managing complex projects and breaking them into actionable steps.
• Proven leadership skills with a results-driven approach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Supply chain certification preferred.
• 10+ years of procurement experience in food service/manufacturing.

Preferred Skills

• Strong planning, negotiation, and detail-oriented execution.
• Expertise in supply chain management, sourcing, and procurement.
• Advanced analytical skills and industry benchmarking techniques.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamic NAV or similar MRP/ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.