Director of Purchasing

About Restaurant Services, Inc.

Restaurant Services, Inc. (RSI) operates as a member-owned, non-profit cooperative serving as the sole purchasing and supply chain management agent for the U.S. Burger King® restaurant network. Governed by a board consisting of Burger King® restaurant operators and closely collaborating with Burger King Corporation, RSI is committed to supplying the necessary products and services at optimized costs and performance standards. Its vision is to be the leading purchasing and supply chain entity within the food service sector, leveraging data and technology to enhance member restaurant profitability.

Role Summary

The Director of Purchasing oversees the continuous supply of assigned products to the Burger King system at optimal costs, either directly or through managing Purchasing Managers. This role includes supervising and mentoring managerial staff, establishing purchasing priorities, negotiating with suppliers, and formulating supply strategies that minimize landed product costs across distribution centers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop Purchasing Managers to manage categories independently and prepare them as potential successors.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers, Burger King Corporation departments—including Innovation, Quality Assurance, and Operations—to secure timely and competitively priced product supply.
• Collaborate effectively with Distribution Services Managers and negotiate supplier agreements within assigned product categories.
• Set and monitor objectives and vendor capabilities to ensure adherence to quality, cost, and service standards.
• Stay informed on commodity markets and pricing trends to support strategic decision-making and accurate case cost forecasting within the team.
• Negotiate and finalize supplier contracts, and lead new product introductions within the Burger King system when applicable.
• Ensure compliance with contract protocols and communicate marketing initiatives to suppliers appropriately.

Supervisory Duties

• Align team performance goals with organizational objectives and collaboratively develop individual performance plans.
• Deliver clear expectations, timely feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct performance evaluations consistent with company policies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare and present purchasing programs to the RSI Board of Directors’ Food & Packaging Committee as required.
• Support department and company goals, including assisting distributor accounts receivable payment reviews with suppliers.
• Maintain effective working relationships with RSI Board members and Burger King entities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 to 6 years relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
• Knowledge of Burger King operations is advantageous but not mandatory.

Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional customer service orientation.
• Strong negotiation abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems analytically.
• Detail-focused and proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proven leadership skills with good business judgment and commitment to team success.