Director of Procurement - Los Angeles - JC Sales

Description

Shims Bargain Inc. (dba JC Sales) is a leading full-service wholesaler serving the value, discount, convenience, distributor, and grocery classes of trade worldwide. For over 30 years, we have been the bedrock for our customers, supplying them with unmatched variety, value, and service, offering the convenience of one-stop shopping experience. We provide the widest variety of quality products at the lowest possible prices. We offer over 12,000 items with annual sales of approximately $200 million. Our commitment to our legacy and online customers' success has enabled us to be one of the top 100 largest private companies in Los Angeles and ranked 12th on the 2022 Minority-Owned Business List from the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Job Responsibilities:

The Director of Procurement is a key senior leader responsible for developing and executing the global procurement strategy, managing vendor relationships, reducing costs, and ensuring the efficient and compliant acquisition of goods and services. This role oversees all procurement activities, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier performance, and risk management, aligning procurement goals with organizational objectives.

Essential Duties include, but not limited to, the following:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies, policies, and procedures to achieve corporate objectives and maximize value.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers and vendors; manage supplier performance through regular strategic meetings.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Lead complex negotiations for pricing, terms, and contracts, ensuring favorable agreements and managing risk.
• Cost Savings: Drive significant cost reductions through sourcing optimization, vendor consolidation, and market trend analysis.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales, Operations, Inventory, Sister companies, and Logistics to forecast demand and align procurement with business needs.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, coach, and manage the procurement team (buyers, buyer assistants, data analyst, logistics coordinator, event coordinator, graphic designer, and Cash and Carry) to foster a high-performing environment.
• Compliance & Risk: Ensure adherence to quality standards (FDA, USDA, US Customs, EPA, HACCP) and manage sourcing risks.
• Be the first responder to compliance and legal issues resulting from alleged breaches.
• Vendor Compliance & Risk: Ensuring vendors are in JC Sales compliance with valid insurance, vendor agreement documentation, and follow proper guidelines that mitigate harmful risk and liability to the company.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports on procurement activities, market conditions, and company performance to senior management.

Core Duties

• Oversee all purchasing activities for products, packaging, and supplies.
• Manage vendor performance and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Analyze category and product performances using data programs.
• Stay current on market trends and supply chain disruptions.
• Assemble team store visits to access trends in the industry.
• Meet and build relationships with customers to gain the most current knowledge from the "Front lines."
• Must be able to travel to out-of-state trade shows within the United States (3–4 times per year, totaling approximately two weeks), as well as for international business travel—including China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan—to meet with affiliated companies and attend international trade shows (approximately two trips per year, totaling three to four weeks). A valid passport and driver's license are required.

Experience / Education:

• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, within the retail, grocery and / or wholesale industry.
• At least 7+ years in senior leadership roles, managing teams of 10 or more, with demonstrated responsibility for strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, budgeting, and team leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive professional experience will be considered.

Language & Mathematic Skills:

• Reading: Ability to review and interpret contracts, financial reports, and operational documents.
• Writing: Ability to prepare executive-level reports, business correspondence, and presentations.
• Speaking: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with executive leadership, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent mathematical skills, including strong proficiency in algebraic functions such as accurate addition and subtraction for budgeting, pricing analysis, cost modeling, and margin calculations.

Computer & Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analytics, reporting, and financial modeling.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to create clear, executive-level presentations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word for formal documentation, contract, and reports.

Employment Status:

Exempt

Job Type:

Full-Time

Work Location:

2600 S. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058

Report to:

CEO

Pay Range:

$115,000 - $130,000 per year

Benefits:

Medical / Dental / Vision / Life Insurance / HRA / FSA / 401K / Free lunch on Fridays / Perks at Work / Company Events / Vacation / Paid Holiday / Sick Hours