Vice President Procurement

VP of Procurement

Location: St. Cloud, MN Area

Industry: Foodservice Distribution

Compensation: $120,000–$135,000 Base + Annual Bonus

Relocation Assistance: Available

About the Opportunity

Our client is an established foodservice distribution organization serving a diverse customer base throughout the region. The company provides products and supply solutions to restaurants, hospitality groups, healthcare organizations, schools, and other foodservice operators.

The organization is seeking a Vice President of Procurement to lead its purchasing function and develop strategies that strengthen supplier relationships, optimize inventory, improve margins, and support the company's overall growth.

This position is based in the St. Cloud, Minnesota area and offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement leader to make a significant impact on the organization's purchasing strategy, supplier partnerships, and financial performance.

Position Overview

The VP of Procurement will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization's procurement activities. This individual will oversee purchasing strategy, supplier relationships, inventory management, vendor programs, and procurement team development.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in foodservice distribution procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and a track record of improving purchasing performance while balancing cost, inventory, service levels, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall procurement strategy in alignment with company objectives.

Lead, develop, and mentor the procurement/purchasing team.

Recruit, train, coach, and manage procurement personnel.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers.

Negotiate pricing, rebates, allowances, promotional programs, freight, and other supplier terms.

Develop purchasing strategies that improve margins and overall profitability.

Establish inventory strategies that balance product availability, working capital, inventory turns, and customer service.

Monitor purchasing, inventory, margin, and service-level metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.

Oversee supplier programs and initiatives designed to maximize financial performance.

Develop strategies to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.

Improve purchasing processes, systems, and departmental efficiencies.

Partner closely with sales, operations, finance, and senior leadership to align procurement with broader business goals.

Analyze market conditions, supplier trends, pricing changes, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks.

Ensure the procurement organization maintains appropriate service levels while effectively managing costs.

Support merchandising, promotional, and marketing initiatives when appropriate.

Establish accountability and performance standards across the procurement organization.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the purchasing function.

Perform other strategic and operational responsibilities as needed.

What We're Looking For

6+ years of progressive procurement or purchasing experience.

Previous leadership or management experience within procurement.

Strong preference for candidates with foodservice distribution experience.

Proven success negotiating with manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors.

Strong understanding of foodservice purchasing, inventory management, margins, and supplier programs.

Demonstrated ability to improve procurement processes and financial performance.

Strong analytical, financial, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent leadership and communication abilities.

Ability to work effectively with sales, operations, finance, and executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field.

10+ years of procurement experience with significant leadership responsibility.

Experience managing procurement within a foodservice distribution environment.

Professional purchasing/procurement certification is a plus.

Experience with supplier rebate programs, vendor incentives, freight programs, and inventory optimization.

Compensation & Benefits

$120,000–$135,000 base salary

Annual bonus opportunity

Relocation assistance available

Competitive benefits package

Executive-level leadership opportunity

Significant influence over procurement strategy and company profitability

Opportunity for long-term career growth