Director of Purchasing

The Director, Purchasing is responsible for ensuring a continuous supply of assigned products at the best cost

Principal accountabilities will include supervising, training and developing the skills of the Purchasing Manager(s), helping to establish priorities, and negotiating with suppliers for assigned products, including developing best overall supply matrices that provide the least landed product cost to each assigned distribution center

• Supervising and developing direct reporting Purchasing Manager(s) into independent buyers who can autonomously lead their assigned categories and who can be prepared to step in, if required, for the Director of Purchasing.
• Developing and managing relationships with assigned suppliers
• Providing a continuous supply of competitively priced products on a regular and timely basis.
• Maintain good working relationships with the field Distribution Services Managers (DSM's)
• Negotiating with suppliers for each assigned product category.
• Developing and implementing objectives for assigned product categories.
• Establishing and monitoring vendor capacity/distribution capabilities to insure that all quality, cost and service expectations are met.
• Stay informed about the foundational aspects of the commodity market and price projections to aid in making informed decisions for RFPs. Moreover, supervise the case cost forecasting for finished goods within each team to ensure optimal forecast accuracy.
• Conducting regular performance, business and financial reviews.
• Negotiating and executing terms of agreement
• Ensuring compliance with contracting protocol and the accuracy of Supply Agreements.
• Communicating marketing activities to appropriate suppliers.
• Aligning individual performance expectations with organizational goals
• Developing performance goals collaboratively with their direct reports
• Ensuring that performance goals are clearly communicated and current
• Providing fair, constructive, and timely feedback towards performance expectations and goals
• Providing assistance, guidance, and coaching support as needed
• Ensuring that staff have professional development plans in place
• Conducting performance evaluations according to established systems and policies

A four-year degree is required. Masters degree a plus. Must have at least four to six years of direct and relevant work experience