Purchasing Manager- Wholesale Food Distributor

Unclassified - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Atlanta, GA

About the position

We are seeking a driven and detail-oriented Wholesale Food Distributor, Purchasing Manager responsible for purchasing a variety of food, paper, and packaging products for our self-distributed restaurant chain. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring that our restaurants are well-stocked with the necessary supplies to operate efficiently. The Purchasing Manager will report directly to the Director of Fulfillment and will be tasked with processing and tracking purchase orders, as well as liaising with inventory, shipping, receiving, and management to ensure smooth and efficient product flow through the warehouse. The Manager will work to forecast the needs of the business and make purchase decisions based on demand. This requires a strong analytical mindset and excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with suppliers and internal teams. The role involves building and maintaining relationships with existing suppliers and third-party carriers to ensure best-in-class service for our customers. Additionally, the Manager will work closely with Category Managers in researching, selecting, and purchasing quality products and materials. Key responsibilities include managing the purchase order process, tracking order status to ensure timely delivery of products, and maintaining desired inventory levels on all items. Special attention will be paid to limited-time offer items and test items to ensure proper runout dates, and cutting orders as needed. The Manager will analyze store purchase trends to make informed buying decisions and coordinate with Inventory Control, Receiving, and Shipping to ensure a smooth and efficient flow of products through the warehouse. In case of any discrepancies in receiving, the Manager will escalate issues to suppliers and management to maintain an in-stock position. Monitoring daily inventory from third-party distributors is also a critical part of this role to ensure optimal stock levels for our other owned restaurant brands.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with existing suppliers and third-party carriers to ensure best-in-class service for our customers.
• Work with Category Managers in researching, selecting, and purchasing quality products and materials.
• Manage the purchase order process and track order status to ensure timely delivery of products.
• Maintain desired inventory levels on all items, paying special attention to limited-time offer items and test items to ensure proper runout dates, and cutting orders as needed.
• Analyze store purchase trends to make informed buying decisions.
• Coordinate with Inventory Control, Receiving, and Shipping to ensure smooth and efficient flow of products through the warehouse.
• Escalate receiving discrepancies to suppliers and management as needed to ensure an in-stock position.
• Monitor daily inventory from third-party distributors to ensure optimal stock levels for our other owned restaurant brand.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager or in a similar role within the restaurant, hospitality, or food service industry.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and adapt to situations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong math skills.
• Strong computer skills, especially in Excel.
• Team player, but works well independently.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Previous Warehouse Management System (WMS) experience is a plus.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance