Join Loffredo Fresh Foods as the Director of Procurement based out of our Des Moines Headquarters. We are a local, family-owned food and produce distributor that has proudly served the Midwest region for over 130 years. We distribute to 11 different states across our 5 locations. Loffredo Fresh Foods believes that our employees are the key to a successful future. We are committed to attracting a team that is passionate, innovative, and committed to meeting our customer’s needs.

The Director of Procurement leads the company’s procurement and quality assurance strategy and is accountable for purchasing, inventory management, supplier performance, product quality, and supply chain results across our Midwest business units. This role is responsible for building and executing strategies that improve gross margin, product availability, inventory levels, shrink, and quality while ensuring our Procurement and Quality Assurance teams have the tools, processes, and accountability needed to succeed.

The Director will be a hands-on, collaborative leader who uses data to identify opportunities, develops programs and processes that deliver measurable results, and builds strong partnerships with suppliers and internal teams. This position works closely with Sales, Operations, and Marketing to improve execution, solve problems, support new customer and product growth, and ensure we consistently deliver the quality, value, and service our customers expect.

What We Look For

7+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain
2–3 years of experience leading, coaching, and developing a team
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered
Proven ability to develop and execute procurement strategies that improve profitability and gross margin
Ability to build effective relationships and collaborate across Procurement, Quality Assurance, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and other departments
Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
Experience developing and implementing departmental programs, processes, and performance standards
Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, fill rate, shrink, and supply chain operations
Produce, foodservice, or wholesale distribution experience strongly preferred
Understanding of product quality, supplier performance, and quality assurance processes; food or produce quality experience strongly preferred
Ability to use data and KPIs to identify opportunities, establish priorities, and drive results
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement
Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable developing a plan and driving its day-to-day execution
Adaptable, collaborative, and eager to challenge existing processes and implement new ideas

What You'll Do

Lead the overall Procurement and Quality Assurance strategy, vision, and direction for the organization
Lead, coach, and develop the Procurement team and Quality Manager while establishing clear goals, expectations, and accountability for results
Own departmental performance and results, with direct accountability for achieving company targets for fill rate, shrink, product quality, inventory levels, and gross margin
Actively collaborate with Sales and Operations to improve processes, resolve service and quality challenges, and achieve company performance targets
Drive COGS and gross profit improvement through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, purchasing practices, and product opportunities
Build strong, accountable supplier partnerships, ensuring negotiated pricing and terms are implemented and holding suppliers accountable for quality, service, and appropriate credits
Manage and continuously strengthen the vendor rebate program, ensuring agreements are accurately tracked and collected while identifying opportunities to expand programs and improve profitability
Optimize inventory levels and purchasing practices to support strong fill rates while minimizing excess inventory and shrink, including proactively identifying at-risk inventory and partnering with Sales and Operations to develop action plans.
Oversee the company’s quality assurance program and ensure consistent product quality standards and processes across the organization
Work with the Quality Manager to identify recurring quality issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams
Lead Procurement and Quality Assurance execution for new customer launches, coordinating cross-functionally to ensure product availability, inventory readiness, supplier alignment, quality standards, and a successful transition into ongoing operations
Develop and lead a structured new product program that identifies emerging products and sourcing opportunities and brings them to Sales and Marketing with a clear plan to successfully launch and grow them with customers
Evaluate and improve inbound transportation, carrier relationships, and inter-company logistics
Analyze market conditions, supplier performance, quality trends, purchasing trends, and business needs to proactively identify risks and opportunities
Drive continuous improvement by identifying performance gaps, addressing root causes, and implementing solutions that improve efficiency, profitability, product quality, and customer satisfaction

What you’ll gain as a Loffredo Team Member:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, available the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
401k with company match available following 6 months of employment
Additional voluntary insurance such as basic/supplemental life and disability
Paid time off & Paid holidays
Bi-Weekly Pay or the option to enroll in Daily Pay for immediate access to earned wages
Regular and constructive performance feedback
Healthy, fresh produce you can take home to your family through our generous employee purchase program

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