Purchasing Manager - K-12 Schools

Chartwells K12 Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent.

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The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the daily purchasing and inventory functions supporting a large USDA K-12 food service account. This role ensures the timely procurement of food, beverage, and related products while maintaining accurate inventory levels and supporting efficient operations. The Purchasing Manager works closely with vendors, operations teams, and management to ensure products are ordered, received, and tracked accurately while meeting company, USDA, and client requirements.

Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple purchasing activities in a fast‑paced environment.

• Process and manage purchase orders for food, beverage, printing, and other operational supplies.
• Communicate with vendors, operations teams, and management to ensure products are ordered according to specifications and operational needs.
• Verify weekly inventory counts for accuracy and complete inventory submissions in a timely manner.
• Monitor inventory levels and place orders to maintain adequate stock while minimizing shortages and overages.
• Negotiate pricing and coordinate product deliveries with suppliers.
• Review shipments and receiving documentation to ensure products received match purchase orders and quality standards.
• Resolve discrepancies involving orders, deliveries, invoices, or inventory records.
• Compile and maintain monthly purchasing, inventory, and operational reports.
• Utilize Excel, Visual Basic, and inventory management systems to track purchasing activity and inventory performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contract requirements, and USDA school nutrition purchasing guidelines.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supporting documentation.

• Associate degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three years of purchasing, inventory control, food service, or related experience.
• Working knowledge of purchasing procedures and inventory management practices.
• Experience purchasing food, beverage, and printing products preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, as well as purchasing and inventory management systems.
• Experience working with inventory reporting and data analysis.
• Knowledge of USDA school nutrition programs and food service operations strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate data entry and record‑keeping skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed remotely, see wage transparency information:

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug‑free workplace.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified…