Food Bank Procurement Manager

Description

Our Mission

Our mission is to leverage the power of food to end hunger and build healthier communities.

Our Vision

We believe that the fight against hunger and the fight against poverty are one and the same. We envision a future in which food is recognized as a human right and every person is able to feed themselves and their families in dignity. Together, we work to create a more nourished, prosperous region. 

The Foodlink Way

Act With Compassion

Take Responsibility

Be a Team Player

Listen, Learn, Adapt

Job Title: Food Bank Procurement Manager

Department: Distribution Center Operations

Reports to: Director of Procurement

Status: Full-time, salaried, exempt

Job Level: (8) Manager

Updated: March 2025

SUMMARY

Foodlink receives over 20 million pounds of food annually. This food is then distributed to a network of over 350 members such as food pantries, shelters and meal programs who work directly with the neighbors in need of food. One of our core strategic priorities is to continue to make Our Good Food Better, by increasing accessibility, quality, variety, and affordability. The Procurement Manager will work with the Director of Procurement to source food, health and wellness products for the Food Bank, Community Kitchen, and Community Health Programs. They will develop and maintain strategic relationships with donors and vendors to deliver the most cost-effective products that meet program requirements and ensure inventory levels on hand as needed to ensure efficient operations that meet the needs of the customer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage all the food sourcing and health and wellness product procurement activities for the Food Bank including vendor purchased products as well as manufacturer and retail product donations. 
• Manage local, state, and federal government grants and contracts associated with product procurement. 
• Develop, execute, and consistently evaluate a strategic procurement plan for Foodlink to meet the needs of the Food Bank, Community Kitchen, and Curbside market. 
• Manage partnerships with existing donors and vendors and identify new donor and vendor opportunities to lower costs and improve quality. 
• Utilize inventory data, including developing needed reports, to identify products to procure and maintain appropriate levels of inventory on hand to meet all programs requirements. 
• Assist the Director of Procurement with the vendor selection and competitive bid processes for purchased inventoried product at Foodlink. Ensure Foodlink is securing the most favorable pricing while including factors such as utilization of New York State and MWBE vendors. 
• Create and maintain a key contact database with all vendors that includes the identification of local/New York State and MWBE vendors. 
• Create, document, and consistently evaluate the procurement processes required to meet the needs of internal programs and external member network to ensure the delivery of high-quality products at the lowest possible cost for the organization. 
• Enter all vendors, purchased products and purchase orders into the inventory system in a timely fashion to assure efficiency from receiving to invoicing. 
• Implement strategic procurement methods for all grant funding awarded to Foodlink including HPNAP and the Nourish New York Grant food expense. 
• Lead special projects related to procurement and sourcing of New York state product including but not limited to the Feeding America’s Boundless Collaboration Dairy Pilot. 
• In collaboration with the Director of Operational Compliance, review all potential inbound products’ nutritional value to ensure they align with our Community Health Commitment.
• Monitor and respond to Feeding America’s Grocery Portal, manage bids, and procure needed items when available. 
• Work with the Director of Procurement to ensure there is a forum for all departments to communicate their procurement needs. 
• Collaborate and coordinate communication between departments to ensure all internal stakeholders are aligned with Foodlink’s food sourcing strategy. 
• Monitor industry trends and engage with other food bank representatives to collaborate and share best practices in procurement. 
• Provide professional, responsive, and appreciative customer service to all vendors and partners. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree preferred, or equivalent experience in food industry, supply chain, or comparable experience in a food-related organization. 
• Minimum three (3) years purchasing/procurement experience (preferably in the food industry.) 
• Demonstrated ability to build professional networks and sustain business relationships. 
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing. 
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills. 
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal customers and external vendors. 
• Dedicated team player and ability to collaborate cross functionally to achieve objectives. 
• Ability to meet deadlines at work and under pressure in a high-paced environment. 
• Knowledge and experience with continuous process improvement are preferred. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record, have reliable transportation and be willing to travel within Foodlink’s 10 county service area. 
• Fluency in English required. 

We are actively seeking a diverse pool of candidates for this position. Foodlink is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, veteran or disability status.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full time, exempt salaried position ranging from $60,406 to $77,767 annually, depending on experience. Foodlink covers 100% of individual health and dental insurance with the ability to acquire family coverage with pretax dollars. In addition to generous paid time off (PTO), we observe 14 paid holidays throughout the year. Opportunity to contribute to a 401k retirement savings plan upon hire. Eligible for generous employer match after 1 year of service. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or feel items such as documents. The team member is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all- inclusive. Employees will follow other instructions and perform other related duties as required. 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Foodlink is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Foodlink we believe that anti-hunger work is only possible with a commitment to removing barriers caused by systems of oppression that perpetuate hunger and poverty. We recognize that systematic injustice and bias disproportionately impact some identities more than others.

Foodlink is actively working to center equity- the fair treatment of all people- in everything that we do so that everyone in our region has access to nourishing food that reflects and values cultural differences.

Foodlink is committed to listening and supporting solutions to hunger that are sourced from people and communities with lived/living experience of hunger and poverty, and to responding where inequities exist.

Foodlink is committed to taking great care to cultivate internal culture and practices that support diversity and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. We aim to foster an environment in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and understands their connection to the Foodlink mission.

Foodlink employees have a responsibility to always treat others with dignity and respect. Employees are expected to always exhibit conduct that reflects our values and promotes equity and inclusion during work, and at work functions.