Job Description – Purchase Manager (Catering & Hospitality)
Job Title
Purchase Manager
Department
Procurement & Supply Chain
Reports To
Head of Operations / General Manager
Job Summary
The Purchase Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement function for the catering business, ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing of food ingredients, beverages, packaging materials, kitchen consumables, equipment, and other operational requirements. The role focuses on maintaining product quality, optimizing procurement costs, ensuring uninterrupted supply for catering operations, and building strong supplier partnerships while complying with company policies and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Planning
- Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with business goals and catering schedules.
- Forecast purchasing requirements based on production plans, event bookings, seasonal demand, and inventory levels.
- Ensure uninterrupted availability of all materials required for daily operations and events.
Vendor Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard qualified suppliers for food products, beverages, packaging materials, kitchen equipment, cleaning supplies, and consumables.
- Negotiate competitive pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and annual supply agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance on quality, pricing, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance.
- Develop alternate sourcing options to minimize supply risks.
Purchasing Operations
- Review and approve purchase requisitions from the central kitchen, production units, warehouse, and support departments.
- Issue purchase orders and monitor timely deliveries.
- Coordinate with stores, production, and logistics teams to ensure smooth material flow.
- Manage urgent procurement requirements for last-minute catering orders or events.
Cost Control & Inventory Management
- Drive cost optimization through strategic sourcing, bulk purchasing, and vendor negotiations.
- Monitor market price movements for food commodities and recommend appropriate purchasing strategies.
- Work closely with stores and production teams to maintain optimum inventory levels while minimizing wastage and expiry.
- Support periodic inventory audits and stock reconciliations.
Quality & Food Safety
- Ensure all procured food items meet company quality standards and food safety requirements.
- Verify that suppliers comply with applicable food safety regulations and quality certifications.
- Coordinate with Quality Assurance to resolve supplier quality issues and product non-conformities.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain complete procurement documentation, including quotations, purchase orders, contracts, invoices, and supplier records.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, financial controls, and statutory requirements.
- Prepare procurement reports, cost analyses, supplier performance reports, and monthly savings reports.
Team Management
- Lead, train, and supervise the procurement team.
- Establish procurement procedures and monitor adherence.
- Promote continuous improvement in procurement efficiency and service levels.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Food Technology, or a related field.
- Professional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management is an added advantage.
Experience
- 7–10 years of procurement experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial role within catering services, food production, central kitchens, cloud kitchens, industrial catering, institutional catering, or food service operations.
Required Skills
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Sound knowledge of food procurement, commodity sourcing, and supply chain management.
- Understanding of food safety standards, inventory management, and quality assurance.
- Expertise in cost control and budget management.
- Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Excel.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Procurement cost savings achieved.
- On-time supplier delivery performance.
- Material availability for catering operations.
- Inventory turnover and stock accuracy.
- Reduction in emergency purchases.
- Supplier quality and compliance scores.
- Purchase order processing turnaround time.
- Budget adherence.
- Procurement process compliance.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Sourcing
- Vendor Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Cost Optimization
- Inventory Planning
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Commercial Acumen
- Leadership & Team Management
- Problem Solving
- Planning & Execution
- Integrity & Accountability
Pay: ₹40,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person
