Purchasing Director

Purchasing Director - Food Manufacturing

Location: Escondido, CA

Salary: $160,000-$180,000 DOE | Full-Time | Direct Hire

Staffmark has a direct hire opportunity for a Purchasing Director. This is a key leadership role supporting production, R&D, operations, and company-wide performance initiatives.

Position Overview

The Purchasing Director leads strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost management, and material planning across multiple manufacturing sites. This role ensures consistent raw material availability, cost-effective purchasing decisions, compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, and alignment with company KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Cost Management

• Lead all purchasing activities for ingredients, packaging materials, production supplies, and R&D needs.
• Develop the annual material cost budget and manage forecasts, price trends, and commodity risk (e.g., eggs, flour, sugar, oils, chocolate, dairy, fruits, vegetables, packaging materials).
• Recommend hedging strategies, forward buys, and cost-saving alternatives without affecting product quality.
• Research and source new materials, packaging concepts, and vendors.

Operations & Inventory Management

• Oversee raw material inventory to ensure plant needs are met while minimizing waste and holding costs.
• Ensure timely delivery of materials at the best total cost while maintaining high quality standards.
• Manage inbound freight costs, vendor floor stock commitments, terms, and purchase order accuracy.
• Coordinate with production scheduling to align material needs with changing sales demands.
• Manage workers' compensation reporting, audits, and communications with carriers.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and develop Purchasing Buyers and supporting staff.
• Provide coaching, performance goals, and career development for the team.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Food Safety, Maintenance, HR, and leadership teams.
• Uphold a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, PO systems, and invoice approvals.
• Ensure vendor backup supply options are in place for emergencies.
• Monitor industry trends and market movement; communicate updates to senior leadership.
• Support company KPIs including cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and waste elimination.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and urgent deadlines.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP experience required (Microsoft Navision or similar).
• Commitment to continuous improvement (CI) and lean manufacturing principles.
• Leadership qualities: team-oriented, dependable, collaborative, and results-driven.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in a production or food manufacturing environment, with 5+ years in a supervisory or management role.
• Extensive purchasing and sourcing experience, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of complex manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Ability to lead multiple projects, analyze complex data, and develop innovative solutions.
• Ability to travel and work extended hours as needed.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work calmly and professionally while managing shifting priorities.
• Requires sitting or standing for extended periods; ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.
• Frequent communication with vendors, cross-functional departments, and leadership teams.

Join Our Team

If you are a strategic, hands-on Purchasing Leader with deep food manufacturing experience and a passion for driving operational excellence, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join our Escondido team as the next Purchasing Director!

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Staffmark is an equal opportunity employer. Allapplicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Staffmark offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact your local branch for inquiries. Staffmark is an E-Verify employer. See our Privacy Notice for Candidates and Employees/Contractors at https://smgroupna.com/privacy-notice-for-candidates-and-employees-contractors. By applying, you consent to receive AI-generated and non-AI-generated calls, texts, or emails from Staffmark Group, its affiliates, and partners. Frequency varies and message/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help.