Assistant Purchasing Manager

Assistant Purchasing Manager – Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties

Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties is seeking a driven, detail-oriented Assistant Purchasing Manager to join our team and support our growing multi-location operation.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role—not a passive position. We are looking for someone who understands the pace and complexity of high-volume retail and food service, and who takes ownership of purchasing decisions, cost control, and inventory management. The right candidate takes pride in precision, accountability, and executing at a high level every day.

Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year (based on experience)

Schedule: Full-time with open availability required

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Vendor Management

· Support and execute purchasing operations across all departments and locations (Retail, Deli, Prepared Foods, Bakery, Commissary)

· Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure consistent product quality, availability, and competitive pricing

· Source new products and vendors as needed while maintaining company quality standards

· Negotiate pricing, monitor market trends, and identify cost-saving opportunities

Inventory & Cost Control

· Manage inventory levels to ensure proper stock without overbuying or waste

· Monitor product movement, shelf life, and proper rotation across all locations

· Track and actively influence Cost of Goods Sold (COGs) through disciplined purchasing decisions

· Conduct inventory analysis and assist with cycle counts, audits, and reporting

· Identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions to improve margins

Costing & Product Approval

· Cost out all recipes, menu items, and retail products before they are released for sale

· Work closely with culinary and retail teams to ensure accurate yields, portioning, and pricing strategies

· Validate margins and ensure all products meet company profitability targets

· Maintain and update costing sheets and product databases for accuracy and consistency

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Partner with operations teams to align purchasing with real-time production and sales needs

· Communicate effectively with department heads regarding inventory levels, shortages, and substitutions

· Support new product rollouts, seasonal items, and promotional planning

· Assist leadership with reporting, forecasting, and strategic purchasing decisions

Systems & Process Discipline

· Utilize inventory and purchasing systems to track data, generate reports, and drive decisions

· Ensure accuracy in purchase orders, invoicing, and product data entry

· Maintain organized records and enforce structured purchasing processes across departments

What We’re Looking For

• 5 years of purchasing experience in food service, grocery, or high-volume retail
• Strong understanding of inventory systems, forecasting, and cost control principles
• Proven ability to manage multiple categories and vendors simultaneously
• Highly analytical with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to work with urgency in a fast-paced, operationally demanding environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams
• A disciplined, accountable approach to decision-making
• A team-first mindset with a commitment to supporting overall business success
• Open availability (including weekends and peak business periods)

Why Joe Leone’s

Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties is built on quality, tradition, and execution. Every product we purchase, produce, and sell reflects our standards. This role directly impacts our ability to deliver an exceptional guest experience while maintaining strong financial discipline.

If you take pride in doing things the right way, holding a high standard, and being part of a team that values performance and accountability, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Co-founded in the spring of 1997 in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ by Joseph Leone Introna and John Hilla, Joe Leone’s originated from the passion for baking, cooking, and dedication instilled by Joe’s grandparents and John’s determination to achieve success for himself and his brother-in-law.

Salary : $50,000 - $70,000