Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer supports the day-to-day execution of Café Zupas’ food purchasing activities, ensuring consistent availability of approved ingredients across all corporate-owned restaurants. This role works closely with Culinary, Operations, and US Foods and Produce suppliers to manage purchasing execution, item transitions, and supply continuity. The Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining data accuracy, supporting menu launches, monitoring inventory health, and resolving short-term supply issues.

Purchasing & Order Execution

• Execute food purchasing activities in alignment with category strategies and approved suppliers.
• Monitor product availability, fill rates, and service levels through US Foods and supplier partners.
• Support short-term purchasing decisions to mitigate out-of-stocks, substitutions, or supply disruptions.
• Coordinate with US Foods on item availability, allocations, and inventory timing.
• Ensure purchasing aligns with forecasted demand and operational needs.

Inventory & Item Management

• Support the setup, maintenance, and transition of all food items within Café Zupas’ internal supply chain database.
• Assist with seasonal, limited-time, and new menu item launches by validating item numbers, pack sizes, and availability.
• Maintain accurate order guides and support updates to US Foods pars as directed by Category Managers.
• Monitor usage trends and flag potential inventory risks, excess stock, or anomalies.
• Assist with item phase-outs and transitions to ensure clean execution at the store level.

Menu Launch & Transition Support

• Partner with Culinary and Category Managers to support new recipe rollouts and ingredient changes.
• Coordinate with US Foods to confirm inventory is available and properly staged prior to menu launches.
• Support internal readiness by validating timelines, item setups, and ordering guidance.
• Help communicate item changes, substitutions, and ordering updates to Operations teams as needed.

Data Accuracy & Reporting

• Maintain accurate purchasing, pricing, and item data within internal supply chain systems.
• Support reporting on food spend, usage, availability, and service-level performance.
• Assist with data validation for cost tracking, inventory analysis, and category reporting.
• Identify recurring issues and escalate risks or improvement opportunities to Category Managers.

Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration

• Serve as a key point of coordination between Supply Chain, Culinary, Operations, and US Foods for food-related items.
• Communicate clearly and proactively regarding supply risks, substitutions, or timing concerns.
• Support supplier communication and follow-up as directed by Category Managers.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings related to menu planning, store support, and supply readiness.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or restaurant operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Excel and comfort working with large item lists and datasets.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and follow-through skills.

Preferred:

• Experience working with broadline distributors such as US Foods.
• Familiarity with foodservice purchasing, ingredient sourcing, or menu execution.
• Experience supporting menu launches or item transitions in a multi-unit restaurant environment.
• Exposure to internal databases or item management systems.

Core Competencies

• Purchasing Execution & Accuracy
• Inventory Awareness & Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Detail Orientation & Organization
• Responsiveness & Ownership
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; occasional travel to supplier locations or restaurants (up to 10%).

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.