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.