Purchasing Manager
7839 Enterprise Drive Cleveland, OH 44101 US
Job Description
Capstone Search Advisors is partnering with a rapidly growing food distribution company to identify an experienced Purchasing Manager. This individual will oversee procurement operations, manage vendor relationships, and ensure the company maintains optimal inventory levels to support customer demand. The ideal candidate is strategic, detail-oriented, and experienced in food industry sourcing.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the purchasing function, including sourcing, negotiating pricing, and securing supply for all food and packaging categories.
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Develop and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective ingredients/products.
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Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks to make informed purchasing decisions.
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Maintain optimal inventory levels while preventing stockouts and minimizing waste.
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Review and evaluate supplier performance, implementing corrective actions when needed.
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Collaborate with operations, sales, logistics, and finance teams to forecast demand and support business objectives.
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Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and long-term supply partnerships.
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Ensure compliance with food safety requirements, regulatory standards, and company policies.
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Evaluate new products, vendors, and sourcing opportunities to support growth and product innovation.
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Oversee purchasing data, reporting, and KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
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3–7 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in food distribution, food manufacturing, or perishables.
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Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supplier management principles.
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Understanding of food safety standards and regulatory requirements (FDA/USDA).
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Experience with ERP or inventory management systems.
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Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
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Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Preferred Experience
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Prior experience purchasing perishable products (produce, protein, dairy, etc.)
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Knowledge of logistics, cold-chain distribution, or warehouse operations.
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Familiarity with continuous improvement or cost-reduction strategies.


