Purchasing Manager - Equipment

Imagine working for a company that measures its success based off the growth of its colleagues, a company that invests in its future by investing in you. Blue Line Distribution is a company where our colleagues make an impact.

Blue Line Distribution, the in‑house distributor for Little Caesars Pizza, has been family owned and operated for over 50 years; and is dedicated to leading customized and innovative food service logistics with safety as a top priority. We are now hiring for a Manager, Purchasing, Supply Chain & Logistics at our facility in Farmington Hills, MI.

Responsible for the administration of the Purchasing department including staff supervision, cost saving initiatives, and inventory replenishment for capital expense restaurant equipment such as ovens, refrigeration, décor, and all other material needed to construct and open a Little Caesar store. Performs due diligence on vendors and potential new items being sourced. Negotiates contracts and makes recommendations to management. Manages the inventory position, forecasting, and overall supply chain for assigned vendors and products.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that allow for successfully negotiating favorable pricing, terms and agreements with approved suppliers. Purchase one‑time capital expenses (oven, mixer, walk‑in cooler, etc.) that are required to operate a store.
• Oversee the inventory/replenishment levels for all products in assigned centers both domestically and internationally to support operations; obtains information regarding upcoming events that may affect order patterns, to ensure accurate information for decision making.
• Conduct supplier and commodity risk assessments, monitoring specific commodity market trends, developing technologies and supply/demand challenges.
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials.
• Establish purchasing policies and procedures and directs purchasing programs that fit the needs of the organization.
• Develop supplier performance strategies to maximize company value.
• Direct and coordinate activities of colleagues engaged in buying or distributing materials, equipment, machinery,
• Manage the Purchasing staff, including hiring, coaching and development, performance management and salary management.
• Communicate goals and needs, select primary suppliers, and evaluate supplier performance and partner relationships on an ongoing basis.
• Generate reports and forecasts to assist managers in short‑range and long‑range planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in purchasing/supply chain/business or a technical field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Purchasing or senior Purchasing position in food or restaurant equipment supply chain environment with a successful history of increasing responsibilities.
• Experienced with sourcing, analysis and purchasing of one‑time capital expense equipment or materials.
• Evidence of highly developed analytical, reasoning and decision‑making experience in matters of significance.
• Previous experience in negotiating contracts, vendor relationships and vendor performance.
• Evidence of high initiative and the ability to manage a multitude of projects simultaneously while meeting store deadlines and needs,
• Evidence of computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Internet experience and applicable purchasing software or databases
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, including communicating technical data to a variety of audiences.

• Experience with an AS‑400 system.
• Experience with food or restaurant equipment purchasing or supply chain networks.

• Office space is co‑located within a spice blending facility.
• Work environment has continuous exposure to spice particles and odors.
• Work environment contains smells that may remain in clothes or uniform.

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Blue Line Distribution.

Blue Line Distribution is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.

This company participates in E‑Verify. Click on any of the links below to view or print the full poster. E‑Verify and Right to Work.