Assistant Director, Purchasing, University Culinary Services

Assistant Director, Purchasing, University Culinary Services

• Kent Campus - Kent
• Staff/Unclassified
• Closing on: Nov 23 2026
• 985892
• University Culinary Services [100434]

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Job Title:

Assistant Director, Purchasing, University Culinary Services

Physical Location:

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$59,961 - $70,014

Basic Function:

Manage business continuity of purchases and recommendations for key aspects of Culinary Services including vendor relationships, business processes, purchasing, and environmental sustainability efforts. Reports to designated supervisor.

Additional Basic Function - if applicable:

Not Applicable.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Manage the selection and purchasing process for culinary operations, ensure quality and meet financial goals.

Generate reports for review of product analysis, including cost history and future projections, and make recommendations of cost containment strategies.

Maintain and control margins through vendor relationships. Assist in on-boarding new contracted and sole-source vendors; meet regularly to review vendor performance, cost changes, additional accounts, sales volume and overall communication between our food service operations and the vendor.

Participate in the review and approval of new vendors, products, including packaged and branded products, RFPs and contracts. Initiate processes with Procurement. Create, maintain and enforce standard operating procedures for all purchasing aspects within the department; including compliance of vendor order guides, pricing and delivery excellence.

Reconcile and allocate purchasing card purchases and initiate purchase orders for new initiatives such as uniforms, equipment, and new or remodeled operations and kitchens. Monitor cost of goods and report on purchasing activities and financial impacts from market fluctuations and other factors that affect commodity goods and pricing.

Incorporate new products and vendors as necessary in collaboration with operation leaders.

Benchmark pricing of goods and products, monitor market, and provide reports of business impact and recommendations for product changes to reduce fiscal loss. Establish and review yearly forecasted purchase order amounts for vendors.

Manage the sustainable food systems efforts, including coordinating, leading, and participating in campus sustainability events and committees. Focus on building environmentally sustainable purchases. Plan, coordinate, and execute implementation of assigned projects.

Identify and collaborate with key stakeholders to implement process efficiencies, track impact and savings.

Collaborate with community vendor partners for opportunities to promote and feature local businesses within the campus culinary program.

Supervise full-time unclassified employees, student employees and lead teams.

May support divisional projects or initiatives.

Perform related duties as required.

Additional Examples of Duties - if applicable:

Not Applicable.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field. A minimum of four years progressively responsible experience in food service management, procurement, inventory control, receiving and distribution operations, and/or business administration to include prior experience as a lead worker or supervisor.

OR

Eight years of comparable related professional experience in food service management, procurement inventory control, receiving and distribution operations and/or business administration to include prior experience as a lead worker or supervisor.

License/Certification:

Valid Ohio driver''s license with safe driving record.

Knowledge Of:

Industrial safety practices

Inventory control computer systems

Receiving and distribution procedures

Inventory control

Sustainable food systems

Kitchen terminology and food service operations

Software and system processes (e.g., menu management software)

Skill In:

Written communication (e.g., to write instructions and specifications concerning inventory)

Interpersonal communication to effectively interact with university personnel and public in person and over the telephone (e.g., to transmit work directives, to arrange times to pick up donations, to coordinate movement of equipment from one area to another)

Software and system integration

Ability To:

Lead teams, supervise, interview, evaluate, discipline, and train employees

Plan and direct work activities, to manage time effectively, set priorities and manage complex projects

Understand system of purchasing procedures and demonstrate proficiency in data analysis

Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions

Travel

Preferred Qualifications - if applicable:

None.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None.

Working Schedule:

Additional Information:

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind

Must pass a security check.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State's campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.