Dining Purchasing Manager

Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Dining Purchasing Manager to oversee purchasing, inventory management, receiving operations, warehouse organization, and culinary logistics for our diverse dining program.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring our dining venues have the products, supplies, and resources necessary to deliver exceptional dining experiences to residents, guests, and employees while maintaining financial stewardship and operational efficiency. This individual will work closely with culinary leadership, dining managers, healthcare dining teams, and vendors to support multiple dining venues, catering services, special events, and resident dining programs.

Purchasing & Procurement

• Purchase food, beverages, disposables, chemicals, and dining-related supplies.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while controlling costs and reducing waste.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate with approved vendors.
• Source specialty products for catering, Wine Club events, Destination Dining, Fine Dining, and community events.
• Monitor product availability and develop alternative sourcing solutions when needed.

Inventory Management

• Manage inventory for food, beverage, chemical, and supply storage areas.
• Conduct inventory counts and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor product usage trends and adjust ordering practices.
• Ensure proper product rotation using FIFO standards.
• Minimize spoilage, shrinkage, and inventory discrepancies.

Receiving & Warehouse Operations

• Oversee all dining receiving functions and delivery inspections.
• Verify deliveries against purchase orders and invoices.
• Resolve vendor discrepancies, shortages, and damaged goods issues.
• Maintain organized storage areas that meet food safety and health standards.
• Coordinate distribution of products to multiple dining venues and healthcare kitchens.

Team Leadership

• Supervise Purchasing Associates.
• Create schedules and ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management.
• Support employee development and foster a culture of accountability and teamwork.

Financial & Reporting Responsibilities

• Support annual budgeting and financial planning.
• Monitor food, beverage, and supply costs.
• Generate purchasing, inventory, and vendor performance reports.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities for improved efficiencies.

Vendor Relations

• Develop and maintain strong vendor partnerships.
• Schedule vendor meetings and product evaluations.
• Coordinate product demonstrations, tastings, and educational opportunities.
• Evaluate vendor performance regarding service, quality, pricing, and reliability.
• Resolve vendor issues professionally and promptly.
• Maintain awareness of market trends, product availability, and emerging purchasing opportunities.
• Manage inventory and supplies for employee dining amenities.
• Support community events, catering functions, holiday meals, and special dining programs.
• Collaborate with culinary teams on menu implementation and new dining initiatives.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Executive Chefs, Dining Managers, the Registered Dietitian, and Culinary Teams.
• Support menu planning through product sourcing and availability analysis.
• Collaborate with Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing teams regarding therapeutic diets and special nutritional needs.
• Foster positive working relationships across all dining venues and departments.
• Serve as a resource for managers regarding product availability, substitutions, and purchasing opportunities.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum two years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, hospitality, healthcare dining, foodservice, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and computerized inventory systems.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Hospitality, Foodservice Management, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, inventory management systems, and purchasing software.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze reports, manage budgets, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or foodservice operations.
• Knowledge of inventory controls, food safety, and receiving best practices.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in storage, refrigeration, freezer, receiving, and warehouse environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Qualifications
• Employee Breakroom & Special Event Support

Full-time employees enjoy a full suite of benefits including PPO health insurance (no high deductible plans), dental, vision, 403(b) with employer match, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, generous time away, professional development, and scholarship opportunities. In addition, our employees enjoy access to many community amenities and a workplace culture that seamlessly blends heart and mind.

Deerfield is faith-based, nonprofit, open to all, and provides a continuum of services to empower residents to live life to the fullest. We enrich the lives of those who live and work at Deerfield and commit to be a leader in the field of aging services. We provide a non-smoking campus and our employees provide either proof of COVID vaccine or provide a validated religious or medical exemption form. All new employees must successfully complete a background check and drug screen as part of our onboarding process.