What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at Salem's Fresh Eats?
Position Overview
The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for strategically sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing all food products and packaging materials to ensure the best pricing, quality, and consistency across all Salem’s Fresh Eats locations. This role is critical in maintaining strong supplier relationships, reducing costs, improving margins, and ensuring brand standards are met at every level of our supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for strategically sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing all food products and packaging materials to ensure the best pricing, quality, and consistency across all Salem’s Fresh Eats locations. This role is critical in maintaining strong supplier relationships, reducing costs, improving margins, and ensuring brand standards are met at every level of our supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Food Procurement & Vendor Sourcing:
- Source and negotiate with suppliers for all food categories, including proteins, seafood, produce, condiments, and specialty items.
- Ensure high-quality standards and consistency across all locations.
- Packaging & Supplies Management:
- Oversee the purchasing of all paper products, cups, lids, bags, containers, utensils, napkins, and cleaning/disposable supplies.
- Identify new packaging solutions that improve quality, presentation, or sustainability at better pricing.
- Cost Control & Negotiation:
- Negotiate contracts and bulk purchase agreements to reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Continuously monitor market trends, price fluctuations, and alternative sourcing opportunities.
- Supplier Relationship Management:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure timely deliveries and problem resolution.
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews based on price, quality, and reliability.
- Operational Support:
- Work closely with operations, kitchen teams, and store managers to forecast supply needs. Ensure accurate inventory levels and prevent stockouts across all locations.
- Compliance & Quality Control:
- Ensure all purchased items meet Salem’s Fresh Eats standards and health/safety regulations.
- Evaluate new vendors for compliance with company standards and industry requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
- Minimum 3–5 years of purchasing/procurement experience, ideally in food service, QSR, or hospitality industry.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Knowledge of food safety standards and packaging industry trends.
- Excellent communication, organization, and analytical skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-location restaurant environment.
Salary : $36,000 - $50,000
