Vice President of Procurement

Job description

We are thrilled to advertise the Vice President of Procurement position for the Wonderfield Group!

Business Overview

The Wonderfield Group is owned by Zensho Holdings, the leading food service company in Japan with a market capitalization of over $5.5billion and whose aim is to become the world’s largest food company, a position from which we can eradicate hunger and poverty from around the globe. Wonderfield operates restaurants, factories, and thousands of sushi kiosks and has recently built a successful cut fruit business, Snowfruit. Wonderfield enjoys annual sales of over $2.5billion and EBITDA in excess of $140m a year with an ambitious growth trajectory.

About the Role

The Vice President of Procurement leads the integration of purchase, the strategic sourcing and procurement operations for all food products, packaging, and supply chain services within the organization, mainly three different brands under same group. This executive role is responsible for ensuring product availability, proper inventory control, cost competitiveness, and compliance in support of a fast-paced food distribution business. The VP will oversee vendor relationships, optimize purchasing processes, and drive efficiency across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for perishable and non-perishable food products (e.g., dry & frozen ingredients), packaging, and distribution-related supplies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, manufacturers, and third-party vendors to ensure consistent supply and service quality.
• Negotiate contracts to secure optimal pricing, delivery terms, rebates, and risk mitigation across all procurement categories.
• Partner with Inventory, Logistics, Sales, and Operations teams to forecast demand and align procurement decisions with business needs.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as order accuracy, fulfillment rate, cost variances, and on-time delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA).
• Drive cost savings through sourcing optimization, vendor consolidation, and procurement process improvements.
• Stay informed of commodity markets, global supply chain disruptions, and emerging trends in food distribution.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, including category managers and buyers.
• Support sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives aligned with company goals.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 25–40% of the time.
• Travel may include visits to domestic and international suppliers, contract manufacturers, distribution centers, and industry trade events.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train management-level staff in the department. Oversee the daily workflow of the team; provide constructive and timely performance evaluation; and handle discipline of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10 years of progressive procurement experience in the food distribution or wholesale sector, including leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of food categories (e.g., fresh produce, dairy, frozen, dry goods) and supplier landscapes.
• Proven success negotiating with manufacturers, co-packers, and logistics providers.
• Expertise in inventory planning, sourcing analytics, and contract management.
• Familiarity with ERP and procurement systems
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and distribution compliance standards.
• Strong supervisory, leadership skills, and experience of team management consisting of 10 employees
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times

What’s On the Menu for You? (Compensation & Benefits)

We don’t just serve fresh sushi, we serve fresh opportunities!

Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

• Competitive Pay Package (see salary range listed)
• Annual Bonus Opportunity (Discretionary) – up to 10% of base salary
• Competitive Health & Wellness Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance -100% covered by company for you and all eligible dependents. Yes, seriously!)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays including a Floating Holiday to celebrate your birthday
• Special Employee Anniversary Milestone Gift
• Other Employee Discounts
• Employee Referral Bonus
• A friendly & positive work culture which inspires collaboration, recognizes accomplishments, and fosters continuous growth, creating not just a workplace, but a community where people truly thrive.

Job Location: On-site