Director of K-12 Procurement

The Director of K-12 Procurement will drive category growth and profitability by developing and executing strategic procurement initiatives across all major K-12 product lines. This role focuses on strengthening supplier partnerships, negotiating competitive agreements, guiding category strategy, and ensuring optimal product assortment to deliver value to both the business and customers. The Director provides leadership and strategic oversight, ensuring alignment with market trends, consumer demand, and organizational goals. Who we are: Buyers Edge Platform is a leading digital procurement network and solutions provider for the foodservice industry, delivering savings, insights, and technology that help operators, distributors, and manufacturers succeed. Through its portfolio of solutions—including Digital Procurement Network, Fresh Services, Software Solutions, and Supply Chain Management—Buyers Edge is reshaping how the foodservice industry connects and thrives. At the heart of our work is a culture built on a passion for collaboration, technology, and helping foodservice business succeed. Your impact: Negotiating supplier agreements that deliver value to CoolSchool Prime Customers Utilize product knowledge to ensure competitive pricing and contracts from suppliers Develop and execute procurement and category strategies across K-12 categories Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable terms, competitive pricing, and promotional opportunities Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors including quarterly business reviews Oversee financial planning for procurement categories, including annual budgets, forecasts, and margin targets Manage category performance by analyzing sales, margin, and inventory KPIs, and take action to optimize assortment and profitability Direct assortment planning and product lifecycle management to align offerings with customer needs Collaborate with operations and marketing on product launches, promotions, and seasonal campaigns Monitor market insights, competitor strategies, and consumer behavior to identify category growth opportunities Represent the company at industry trade shows, supplier meetings, and business reviews Analyze manufacturer exclusions and work to eliminate short pays and takebacks where possible Have knowledge of and use of all company systems, tools, and technology: Salesforce, Data Manager, Microsoft TEAMS About you: 5+ years of industry experience Knowledge of the foodservice industry is required College degree or relevant experience required Knowledge of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO’s) is required Intermediate Excel skills Stellar communication skills – both written and verbal Strong management skills with experience to motivate teams and inspire ideas Negotiation skills - Persuasion, convincing stakeholders, cross-collaboration, consensus-building Ability to think outside the box and challenge ideas Strong problem-solving skills High level of prioritization with ability to manage multiple priorities Strong analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills Ability to understand and interpret data At least 5% travel is required for this position Not sure you meet every qualification? Studies show that diverse applicants often hesitate to apply unless they check every box. At Buyers Edge Platform, we value authenticity and inclusion—if you're excited about the role, we encourage you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for! What's in this for you: Great benefits from day one. We offer medical, dental, vision, FSA, company-paid life insurance, and more—plus a 401(k) with company match. Grow with us. Enjoy strong training, development, and competitive pay. Work-life balance. Our flexible PTO policy lets you take time when you need it—no accrual required.     We welcome all. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.