Purchasing Specialist Jobs in San Francisco, CA

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Purchasing Manager is a critical operational leader responsible for end‑to‑end procurement of food, beverage, and supply categories across a high‑volume, innovation‑driven corporate dining environment. This role ensures purchasing accuracy, cost stewardship, vendor compliance, and seamless coordination between culinary teams, operations, and suppliers. You will serve as the central point of control for ordering, inventory, and product flow—driving operational efficiency, financial performance, and exceptional service delivery. This position is ideal for a detail‑driven professional who excels in systems, analytics, vendor management, and cross‑functional communication within a fast‑paced, unionized environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

- Lead procurement operations — Manage end‑to‑end purchasing for food, beverage, and MRO categories, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with menu and operational needs.
- Drive cost stewardship — Implement cost‑effective purchasing strategies, monitor spend and ensure adherence to approved vendors and category standards.
- Manage vendor performance — Oversee supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, resolve issues, and ensure consistent product quality and delivery reliability.
- Oversee inventory and product flow — Maintain accurate inventory levels, support forecasting, and ensure timely ordering to meet production schedules and seasonally driven menus.
- Analyze procurement and financial data — Review purchasing trends, compliance metrics, and financial reports to identify savings opportunities and operational improvements.
- Ensure food safety compliance — Verify that all products meet HACCP, FDA, and internal food safety standards; support traceability, product specifications, and regulatory adherence.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

WHAT YOU BRING:

- Food & beverage procurement expertise — Proven experience purchasing across categories including produce, meat, seafood, dairy, dry goods, and supplies.
- High‑volume operations experience — Background in large‑scale, multi‑unit, or unionized food service environments with complex operational demands.
- Systems and analytical strength — Skilled in ordering platforms, forecasting, financial analysis, and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Vendor and contract management — Ability to evaluate suppliers, negotiate pricing, and ensure contract and category compliance.
- Cross‑functional collaboration — Success partnering with culinary, operations, finance, and supply chain teams to support accurate forecasting and efficient invoice processing.
- Leadership and team development — Experience coaching staff, improving processes, and elevating purchasing performance in fast‑paced environments.

WHO WE ARE:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
- Minimum Functional Experience – 3 years