Procurement Specialist

About the Role

The Procurement Specialist will be tasked with sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing high-caliber food products, kitchen supplies, and related services to support smooth catering operations. This position demands extensive expertise in the food supply chain, vendor management, and adherence to food safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and select dependable suppliers to secure high-quality food materials and kitchen essentials at competitive costs.
• Perform ongoing market analysis to track pricing trends and ingredient availability, adjusting procurement plans accordingly.
• Lead negotiations concerning contracts, pricing structures, and delivery conditions with suppliers to maximize value without compromising quality.
• Coordinate timely procurement and receipt of goods aligned with kitchen schedules to avoid operational disruptions.
• Collaborate with warehouse and kitchen teams to track inventory levels, preventing shortages or excess stock.
• Engage closely with chefs and kitchen personnel to grasp precise product requirements and uphold quality benchmarks.
• Strengthen existing supplier partnerships while expanding the supplier base to diversify procurement sources.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and hygiene protocols throughout the procurement process following company and industry guidelines.
• Manage procurement requests from various departments efficiently and promptly.

Experience & Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of five years’ procurement experience, ideally within the foodservice or catering sectors.
• Comprehensive knowledge of foodstuffs, perishables, and kitchen equipment essentials.
• Proven negotiation and effective communication abilities.
• Familiarity with procurement software and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong organizational aptitude and adept problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with HACCP, ISO, or comparable food safety certifications is advantageous.
• Capability to perform under pressure and meet critical deadlines.