Director, Purchasing

Director, Purchasing – Starwood Hotels

Life at Starwood Hotels is based on a simple idea: the world is beautiful and we want to keep it that way. We hire thoughtful and inspiring Team Members and Leaders who understand that our people, collaboration, stellar service, and respect for nature are important to us.

We’re currently searching for an independent-thinking, quick-thinking, outgoing and productive Director of Purchasing to join our team.

• Ensure that all purchasing functions promote 1 Hotels sustainable and environmentally conscious purchasing practices and minimize the hotel’s environmental footprint by buying from local vendors, sourcing products from businesses with a similar ethos, procuring environmentally friendly products, choosing products made from recycled materials, using minimal packaging and transporting products via the most environmentally friendly method.
• Act as a liaison between individuals in the hotel and supplier representatives in the procurement of goods and services required to achieve objectives of each department. Place orders for all goods and services and schedule deliveries to meet the operational needs of each department.
• Work closely with the Food & Beverage and Culinary leadership teams and procure all food & beverage products according to business needs and specifications with an emphasis on organic, local and seasonal products. Forecast operational needs and schedule deliveries of all food & beverage items.
• Determine the food and beverage requirements for all catering menus and order according to guarantee of the menus.
• Monitor the grade and quality of products received to ensure that they meet established standards.
• Obtain bids from vendors and determine the best possible price for desired items.
• Coordinate with Avendra Field Representative to maximize usage of Avendra vendors.
• Check and ensure appropriate levels of inventories are maintained to minimize waste and maximize ration turnover.
• Direct regular inventory audits.
• Ensure regular, ongoing communication occurs (e.g. daily rallies, divisional/departmental meetings, attendance at regular and ad‑hoc hotel meetings).
• Stay informed of market trends and introduce new products and services to drive guest engagement, increase revenue and ensure a competitive position in the market.
• Identify opportunities to optimize performance and create value by challenging existing processes, encouraging innovation and driving necessary change.
• Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships and ensure direct reports do the same.
• Provide inspirational leadership to enliven the 1 Hotels Vision, Mission and Compass; deliver on Our Promise, provide Good‑Natured Service and uphold our Brand Pillars.
• Recruit and select talented leaders and team members who will enhance the 1 Hotels culture and demonstrate functional expertise; ensuring staffing levels are appropriate to meet business demands.
• Train department team members: plan, assign and direct work; reward and discipline team members; address complaints and resolve problems. Provide guidance and direction to subordinates through coaching, counseling, mentoring and reviewing performance.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence and inspire others; advocate sound business decisions; demonstrate honesty and integrity; lead by example.
• Build and maintain an organizational culture that maximizes employee engagement and attracts top talent.

Reports to the Executive Director of Finance and has oversight for team members of the purchasing department.

• A post‑secondary diploma or degree in a field of study related to this profession or 2 years of experience in a comparable position and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience with Birchstreet or similar Purchasing Management System.
• Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing and receiving, demonstrated leadership skills and proven achievements in optimizing team member engagement and financial performance.
• Experience successfully leading in a fast‑paced environment and…