Director of Purchasing

A Wiss client in the food distribution industry is seeking a Director of Purchasing to join their team.

The Director of Purchasing is responsible for ensuring product availability, supplier performance, and inventory optimization across the organization’s global and national supply chain. This individual will lead the purchasing function, oversee vendor relationships, drive sourcing strategy, and ensure inventory continuity across a diverse product portfolio. Over time, the role will expand to include oversight of import operations and global logistics initiatives.

• Lead and develop a team of purchasing managers responsible for procurement execution, vendor management, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Ensure consistent product availability across all SKUs through proactive inventory planning, forecasting, and demand analysis.
• Monitor sales trends, inventory levels, and purchasing patterns to minimize stockouts and reduce excess inventory.
• Own inventory performance metrics, including inventory turns, working capital efficiency, and excess inventory reduction initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to crop conditions, global supply disruptions, and sourcing constraints.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and development plans for the purchasing team.
• Drive continuous process improvements across purchasing operations, including support for new product commercialization initiatives.
• Lead regular purchasing meetings and provide updates to executive leadership.
• Maintain and strengthen strategic supplier relationships while identifying and developing new sourcing opportunities.
• Evaluate suppliers based on cost, service levels, quality, and reliability.
• Develop dual-sourcing strategies and business continuity plans across key product categories.
• Attend domestic and international industry trade shows and coordinate supplier engagement activities.
• Conduct strategic supplier site visits to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational standards.
• Monitor global crop conditions, commodity pricing trends, and broader market dynamics impacting supply and cost structures.
• Prepare and deliver quarterly market updates to leadership, sales teams, and customers.
• Partner closely with Sales to align inventory and sourcing strategies with customer demand and growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with food safety standards, product specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Work alongside senior leadership to gain expertise in global logistics, import operations, customs processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Support import-related decision-making and process improvements while preparing to assume broader supply chain leadership responsibilities over time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive purchasing, procurement, or supply chain leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Strong background in inventory management, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization.
• Experience overseeing purchasing operations within food distribution, consumer products, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
• Knowledge of global sourcing, international suppliers, and import processes is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with customs regulations, FDA and USDA requirements, and food safety standards is a plus.
• Proven ability to analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to support strategic decision‑making.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to balance operational execution and long-term strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with sales, operations, quality assurance, and executive leadership teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. This policy applies equally to applicants regardless of national origin.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.