Coleman Lew Canny Bowen

Director of Procurement – Center of the Plate

COMPANY:
Southwestern-based vertically integrated producer and distributor of food service.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
This position will report directly to the Vice President of Supply Chain.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Director of Procurement is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization’s procurement operations, with a specific focus on Center of the Plate categories. This includes optimizing inventory management, fostering vendor relationships, and driving profitability through effective sourcing and negotiation strategies. The role requires a combination of analytical acumen, industry expertise, and leadership skills to ensure that procurement processes for core food products align with organizational goals and deliver measurable results.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy to support organizational growth and efficiency.
  • Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to inventory turnover, cost reduction, and supplier performance.
  • Align procurement strategies with sales, marketing, and operational objectives to ensure cohesive execution.
  • Analyze sales trends to forecast demand and maintain optimal inventory levels.
  • Manage inventory to minimize stockouts and overstock situations while maximizing turnover rates.
  • Oversee SKU rationalization, ensuring the inclusion of high-performing products and the elimination of low-performing items.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and consistent quality.
  • Accountable for procurement deliverables as actioned from the S&OP process.
  • Lead, coach, and mentor the procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide actionable feedback to team members.
  • Develop and deliver training programs focused on procurement best practices, negotiation skills, and industry trends.
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to align procurement activities with promotional strategies.
  • Ensure accuracy and alignment of purchase orders with inventory needs and sales forecasts.
  • Responsible for cost accuracy on purchase orders prior to goods receipt
  • Provide detailed reports on procurement performance, highlighting successes and identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • Drive profitability by optimizing pricing strategies and reducing procurement costs.
  • Monitor and manage departmental budgets to align with overall organizational financial goals.
  • Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with procurement policies and standards.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 7-10 years’ experience in procurement, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven track record in managing high-performing teams and delivering measurable results.
  • Proficiency with procurement and inventory management software (e.g., ForecastPro, Logility, or similar tools).
  • Strong analytical skills with expertise in data modeling, scenario planning, and trend analysis.
  • Advanced knowledge of contract negotiation and supplier performance management.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • A results-driven mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Must be flexible and willing to work the demands of the department which may be subject to evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Gregory Lynn Tennent, Consultant
[email protected]
704.377.0362