Gordon Food Service Store · 2 days ago
Indirect Lead Category Buyer
Wyoming, MI
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
7+ years expGordon Food Service is a leading food service distributor, and they are seeking an Indirect Lead Category Buyer to develop and execute comprehensive North American indirect procurement strategies. The role involves leading negotiations, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving procurement efficiencies to achieve cost savings and enhance supplier relationships.
Food & Beverages
Responsibilities
Leads and manages all procurement process activities for assigned North American Indirect categories in support of business commitments and initiatives
Develops supplier strategies and leads North American negotiations
Influences and leads stakeholder groups throughout the company (including US, Canada, Stores, and Specialty Companies); ensures engagement across internal groups and promotes cross-functional partnering
Engages with Sr. Leadership, communicating key updates and impacts to Sr. team members
Owns the development and implementation of the Annual Operating Plan negotiation calendar and corresponding savings/uncovered value financial commitments, including regular status updates
Leads the planning and execution of strategies resulting in optimal value for Gordon Food Service by balancing fully landed cost of goods/services (bottom line), without compromising commitments to growth (top line) and enabling continuous improvement goals
Consistently applies critical thinking to everyday procurement activities as well as longer term business objectives
Leverages data and procurement analysis tools to derive insights and determine potential sourcing options in support of stakeholder needs
Owns the engagement of shareholders (i.e., divisions, specialty companies, stores, etc.) to understand business needs, and responsible for developing negotiation strategies to achieve objectives
Leads critical discussions with business owners, leaders, and key decision makers within the supply base to achieve unique, collaborative, yet globally competitive sourcing solutions that differentiate GFS from its competitors
Owns communication of negotiation updates to stakeholder teams
Establishes relationships with key suppliers for current and future procurement initiatives
Drives collaboration with functional stakeholders to gain business insight, leading to sourcing alternatives
Responsible for all phases of Competitive Market Reviews for defined product/service categories, including development of negotiation strategies, tactics, and execution plans to achieve desired outcomes, as well as the accurate transfer of negotiation points into a signed agreement and archived into the agreement system
Ensures agreement process results in accurate contract implementation as well as non-price considerations throughout the business cycle
Responsible for analyzing various inputs (ranging from cost, quality, support, service) and executing best value sourcing solutions
Critically monitors and analyzes assigned product/service categories and related markets for cost-savings opportunities
Achieves value realization goals while ensuring mutual ownership (with stakeholders) of sourcing goals
Sources supplies and items that meet defined specifications, performance, or functionality
Continually seeks to drive procurement process efficiencies
Seeks to intentionally identify women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and disability-owned businesses for the purpose of supporting Gordon Food Service Supplier diversity initiatives
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
advanced education (bachelor's degree) plus seven or more years of procurement related experience (preferably in the food service industry)
Demonstrated success with negotiations and working knowledge of sourcing strategies required
If no degree, ten or more years of relevant experience required
excellent leadership abilities and a positive attitude with a commitment to personal and professional success
excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills
able to accept and accomplish multiple and diverse assignments
able to work independently and in a team environment
professional demeanor, honesty, integrity, drive, tenacity, determination, and a willingness to learn
able to develop solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity
Company
Gordon Food Service Store
Unlock a world of flavor! Gordon Food Service Stores offers restaurant-quality ingredients, fresh produce, and unique finds for your home kitchen or business.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase