Director of Purchasing

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 the 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.
• Direct 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 or 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, including 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.
• Resolve 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.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or a 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.
• Sales and marketing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Food Service industry preferred, as well as state and federal regulations.
• 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 in a detail‑oriented manner.
• Customer relations.
• High level of enthusiasm and optimism.
• Self‑motivated.
• Strong negotiation/problem‑solving skills.
• Planning and organizational skills.

Our competitive employee benefits provide health and financial protection to our employees and their families.

• Short and Long Term Disability
• 401k with matching contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Educational Assistance Program
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee Credit Union

Ben E. Keith is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.