Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager Role Overview Firelands Food Systems is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Product Purchasing Manager to join our warehouse operations. This role is critical to our mission of keeping operational costs down while driving sales growth through smart procurement. You will be responsible for identifying the best pricing for our inventory, negotiating volume discounts, and managing rebates to maximize profitability. The ideal candidate will not only manage purchasing but will also act as a product analyst, tracking sales performance to ensure our inventory remains competitive and high-performing.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing:

Research and negotiate with vendors to obtain the best possible prices for food products and warehouse supplies.

Financial Optimization:

Actively seek out rebates and negotiate better pricing structures based on ordering volume.

Inventory & Sales Analysis:

Monitor current inventory levels and analyze sales data to identify top-performing items and slow-moving stock.

Product Development:

Decision-making regarding the introduction of new products and finding better alternatives for existing items that do not meet sales goals.

Vendor Management:

Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with new and existing suppliers. Tracking expiration dates on all perishable products. Managing Seasonal and Promotional items. Evaluating Vendor Performance. Pricing, Delivery. Quality, and Fill Rates. Ensuring compliance with Food Safety and Labeling Requirements. Analyzing sales reports to optimize the product mix for each customer location.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications Experience:

Previous experience in a buyer or purchasing role is a must, ideally within the vending or food service industry.

Negotiation Skills:

Proven ability to negotiate effectively to reduce costs and secure favorable terms.

Analytical Mindset:

Strong math skills and the ability to interpret sales data to make informed purchasing decisions.

Communication:

Confident communicator with excellent people skills for managing vendor relationships.

Organization:

Superior time management and organizational skills to handle multiple product lines and vendor accounts.

Technical Proficiency:

Excellent computer skills, specifically with inventory management software. Strategic forecasting of product. Capacity to anticipate seasonal product shifts. (

EG:

Higher water sales in the summer, hot beverage demand in the winter) Cost - Benefit Focus. A keen eye for margins to manage the delicate balance between wholesale product cost , retail vending prices and location owner commissions. Problem solving . Adept at handling supply chain disruptions or sudden shortages by quickly sourcing alternatives.

Position Details Schedule:

Monday - Friday.

Compensation:

Pay is based on experience.

Location:

2201 George St., Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Benefits:

Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off

Experience:

Purchasing:

3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person