The Director of Procurement reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Finance. The Director will work closely with the restaurant operations team including the Chief Operating Officer, Regional Directors, District Managers and Restaurant-level managers as well as other members of the “Strategic Leadership Team”, including the Chief Information Officer. This role will directly manage and mentor a team of two (2) procurement generalists, who assist with the day-to-day logistics of quality assurance, price compliance and store service.

Essential Responsibilities:
The Director of Procurement is responsible for leading all operations to select, procure, distribute and monitor all food and restaurant supplies to operate the Company’s growing restaurant system and it’s direct-to-consumer business, Taste of Chicago. This position is directly responsible for managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, the role will oversee the procurement process from sourcing to delivery, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services while maintaining quality standards.

The Director will collaborate with store management to design, monitor and improve compliance with ordering policies and procedures. The Director will implement and administer a comprehensive set of best practices and KPIs throughout the supply chain to drive continuous improvement in financial efficiency and service levels.

Essential Skills and Experience:

Experience working in a multi-unit restaurant or retail environment strongly preferred. Proven track record of successfully managing and leading change within a team-oriented environment. Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, including knowledge of commodity markets; 10-15 years of experience preferred. Excellent negotiation skills and demonstrated success at senior levels. Expertise in successfully managing major supply agreements including systematic quality and compliance monitoring. Strong understanding of EBITDA and a demonstrated track record of driving it through supply chain initiatives. Demonstrated ability to lead quantitative and qualitative analyses to support critical vendor and commodity negotiations. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally (store operations, finance, marketing, direct-to-consumer operations) to design and implement operating improvements. Strong verbal and written communication skills to all levels of employees. Ability to combine strategic vision with tactical detail to enable execution.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize cost savings and operational efficiency. Identify and evaluate potential vendors and suppliers based on quality, price, and reliability. Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to secure favorable terms and conditions. Oversee the procurement process, including requisition, sourcing, purchasing, and delivery. Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues or disputes that may arise. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and requirements. Stay abreast of market trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes that may impact procurement. Lead and mentor the procurement team, providing guidance and support to achieve departmental goals. Ability to generate respect and trust from senior team, staff and external vendors.