Director of Purchasing

The purpose of the Director of Purchasing is to assist with planning and perform the execution of Ben E. Keith purchasing initiatives in order to maximize profitability for the division and increase the company's overall market share. * 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 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. * Directs 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/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, to include 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. * Resolves 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.

Job Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business or 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 Detail-Oriented * Customer Relations * High Level of Enthusiasm and Optimism * Self-Motivated * Strong Negotiation/Problem-Solving Skills * Planning and Organizational Skills