Syracuse University

Purchasing Manager

Syracuse University$78K — $85K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or culinary arts
  • 5+ years in high-volume food service operations
  • Significant experience in food production
  • ServSafe and AllerTrain certification required upon hire
  • Proficiency with ERP Systems, preferably FoodPro

Responsibilities

  • Utilize inventory software for purchasing supplies for food services
  • Determine inventory needs and establish delivery schedules
  • Learn and apply new technology and systems
  • Maintain inventory levels and turnover to meet service needs
  • Conduct periodic inventory checks for accuracy and quality control
  • Collaborate with campus leaders to align with food service trends
  • Build relationships with vendors to enhance product quality and cost efficiencies

Benefits

  • Full-time position with standard business hours
  • Opportunity to work in a vibrant university setting
  • Engage with a variety of stakeholders, enhancing professional network
  • Access to continuous learning and development opportunities
  • Contribute to improving food quality and service for the campus community
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
042728

Department Code
33000-7361

Department
Office of Chief Operations Officer

Job Title
Purchasing Manager

Location
Syracuse, NY

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Pay Range
$78,000 to $85,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S5

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

This position manages the purchasing function for university Campus Dining as a whole. Primary duties include purchase order processing, inventory management, forecasting and understanding product needs, purchasing of food and food related supplies / minor equipment. This position requires the ability to learn and use current technology/software/systems in place and have the capacity to learn and develop any new technology/systems. Additionally, this role is the primary point of contact for the external buying cooperative vendor, internal campus dining clients and stakeholders including Campus Dining leaders and Executive Chefs.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or culinary arts and 5 years of experience operating in a high-volume food service operation.
  • Considerable experience in food production is necessary.
  • ServSafe and AllerTrain certification necessary upon hire.


Skills and Knowledge
  • Proficiency with ERP System (FoodPro preferred) or inventory management software.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing JIT and Economies of Scale principles.
  • Previous experience in a high volume, diverse purchasing environment.
  • Excellent computer and communication skills.


Responsibilities
  • Utilize inventory management software to purchase food and food related supplies for Syracuse University Food Services operations.
  • Determine inventory needs and delivery schedules based upon current inventory levels, storage availability, and projected usage.
  • Learn and use current technology and systems.
  • Maintain proper inventory levels to meet service requirements and appropriate inventory turnover times.
  • Assist with Quality Assurance/Inventory Control in supply chain, warehouse, logistics, and food service locations and conduct periodic inventory checks to ensure inventory, ordering and usage accuracies.
  • Verify and advise on proper inventory levels.
  • Collaborate with various campus leaders including the Warehouse Manager to stay current with food service trends to determine new products and maintain internal control techniques relating to material handling to maximize the quality of all products to meet the changing needs of the University students, staff and faculty.
  • Build and leverage relationships with vendors.
  • Collaborate with partner schools to maximize buying volume and cost-effective initiatives.
  • Work to align menu products to ensure cost efficiencies and improve overall food quality and continuous process improvement.
  • Maintain excellent vendor relationships, provide exceptional internal customer service to a variety of campus dining units and departments, and assist with product specifications and ordering to support such purchasing strategies as quality, value, Cost of Goods, planned menuing, and inventory vs. operational demands.
  • Monitor and track the receiving, storage, transfer, and shipment of food and food related products via food service warehouse and supply chain/logistics.
  • Inspect products to ensure compliance with product specifications and relevant code dates.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal food regulatory agencies and institutional purchasing policies.
  • Collaborate and negotiate with vendors, maintain working relationships, and resolve quality and service issues.
  • Identify gaps in supply chain, research new vendors, implement strategies to mitigate anticipated shortfalls.
  • Analyze market trends to make insightful purchasing decisions.
  • Stay current with food service trends to determine new products and maintain internal control techniques relating to material handling to maximize the quality of all products to meet the changing needs of the University students, faculty, and staff.
  • Maintain records and review product cost.
  • Determine alternate products to improve quality and lower cost.
  • Obtain required University documentation from all vendors to include conflict of interest, insurance and food safety certifications.
  • Prepare bids, purchase orders and receiving documentation.
  • Facilitate food purchases for all campus dining departments. Gather and process required documentation including nutritional information from new vendors.


Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112802

Job Posting Date
04/21/2026

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. Syracuse University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields including business, engineering, law, and the arts. The university is known for its strong programs in communications, architecture, and social sciences. Syracuse University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Learn more about Syracuse University
Size
15,000 employees
Industry

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