Purchasing Manager at GA Foods – St. Petersburg, Florida

Position Overview
GA Foods is seeking a proactive, collaborative, and results-driven Procurement Leader with a proven track record of achieving company goals. This role requires deep expertise in both direct (food) and indirect (packaging) procurement within food service and manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate is an innovative thinker with strong communication skills and the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team. This position operates in a fast-paced environment, requiring the ability to pivot quickly between priorities and manage multiple competing demands effectively. Occasional local, statewide, and national travel may be required for food shows, vendor meetings, and industry conferences.

Job Purpose
This role is responsible for developing and executing demand and supply strategies that meet customer and supplier service expectations while optimizing inventory levels and controlling costs. The Purchasing Manager will oversee a team responsible for food and supply acquisition, drive measurable improvements in procurement and supply chain performance, and ensure the timely sourcing and delivery of both raw materials and finished goods.

This position requires balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution in a data-driven and analytical environment.

Key Responsibilites

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies for food manufacturing and high-volume catering operations, with a focus on cost optimization
• Lead vendor negotiations, contract management, and supplier relationship development
• Identify and leverage buying opportunities to reduce food and supply costs
• Establish key performance metrics and reporting to support procurement and production decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and demand planning functions
• Oversee company-wide sourcing and purchasing of raw materials and supplies
• Build and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and training programs
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability and strong performance management practices
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, finance, and production teams to ensure alignment and efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Supply chain or procurement certification preferred
• 10+ years of procurement experience within food service and/or manufacturing environments
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Effective and strategic negotiator with strong analytical capabilities
• Detail-oriented problem solver with the ability to think both strategically and tactically
• Ability to manage complex initiatives and translate them into actionable steps
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a results-oriented mindset
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Strong planning, negotiation, and execution capabilities
• Expertise in supply chain management, sourcing, and procurement strategy
• Advanced analytical skills and experience with benchmarking
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV or similar MRP/ERP systems
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Equal Opportunity Statement
At GA Foods, we are deeply committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. It is our policy that all employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetics, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. We base all employment decisions on merit, qualifications to perform the essential job functions (with or without reasonable accommodations), and business needs.

GA Foods also provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

GA Food Services of Pinellas County, LLC (GA Foods) is proud to be a Drug-Free, Smoke-Free Workplace and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.