Position Summary:

The North American Indirect Procurement Director develops a winning vision and leads the implementation of comprehensive indirect procurement strategies to improve cost, drive supplier efficiencies, and fully leverage technology for the benefit of all business units within Gordon Food Service.  Responsible for leading an impactful array of indirect spend-related activities including sourcing and category management, supplier optimization, and source-to-pay technology deployment. Aligns indirect procurement strategies with business unit objectives to achieve best-in-class, fully landed cost of goods and services solutions. Engages directly with our senior leadership team within Distribution, Stores, Strategic Alliances, and Specialty Companies to develop integrated end-to-end sourcing strategies. Requires the ability to leverage a thorough understanding of the end-to-end source-to-pay process and exemplify excellence in cross-team collaboration. Responsible for an indirect spend profile in excess of $1B.

What you will do:

• Creates indirect North American  business (inclusive of procurement, finance, and other functions) vision, strategies, process and structure to align with evolving needs.

• Establishes the vision and roadmap for utilization of Source-to-Pay technology and tools in support of the company’s AOP, LRP, and ERP value realization objectives.

• Owns company-wide transformation of indirect spend activities. Responsible for driving significant value improvement within $500MM-$1B annual indirect spend via supplier strategies and negotiations. 

• Owns indirect category management and negotiation vision and strategies leveraged by Category Managers and Lead Category Buyers across hundreds of negotiations annually. 

• Leads and coaches Category Managers and Lead Category Buyers in professional and career development.   

• Develops and implements dynamic (changing to support business needs) plans for annual savings commitments and Competitive Market Review (negotiation) calendar

• Drives annual value improvements for capital, equipment, products, and services 

• Delivers best-in-class expertise across spend categories; integrated into Operations leadership strategies and team.

• Leverage critical thinking ability to lead organizational transformation 

• Build and leverage strong, collaborative relationships with the Canada, Store, Specialty Companies & US Business Units to identify and drive indirect procurement opportunities, implementing best practices and repeatable processes.

• Collaborates across stakeholder groups to ensure savings are incorporated into annual operating and long-range plans.

• Communicates transformation strategies, progress and key impacts to MMSC, Business Unit, and Sr. Leadership.

• Projects strong procurement and business acumen; maintains positive presence in difficult situations.

• Establishes and maintains relationships with Sr.-level leadership of key strategic suppliers.

• Leads indirect procurement process improvement efforts across GFS; developing strategies to drive procurement efficiencies and effectiveness with stakeholders. 

• Responsible for Gordon Food Service indirect supplier sourcing strategies to achieve bottom-line business objectives.

• Leads changes and improvements to procurement processes:  e.g., Competitive Market Review, capital procurement, procurement technology, etc.  

• Interviews, hires, trains, and retains staff.  Conducts performance monitoring of staff, initiates follow through with disciplinary action and termination in consultation with Human Resources when appropriate for the department.  Mentors, motivates, and develops staff.  Serves as a role model.

• Continually evaluates (and evolves) structure, process and technology, to achieve long term business objectives.

• Manages AOP budget.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

When you will work: 

• Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. 

What you bring to the table:

• 10+ years experience in Procurement, Category Management or related field required, preferably in the foodservice industry, including five or more years progressive management experience. 

• Strong negotiation abilities and working knowledge of supplier communities.

• Deep understanding of how to position and evangelize Procurement strategies to senior level executives.

• Demonstrated business competency and ability to manage analytical processes.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Finance or related required.

• This position requires excellent leadership abilities and a positive attitude with a commitment to personal and professional success.  

• Must have good math aptitude.

• Detail oriented.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.  

• Must be able to accept and accomplish multiple and diverse assignments.  

• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.  

• Professional demeanor, honesty, integrity, drive, tenacity, determination, and a willingness to learn.