Job Title: Purchasing Manager – Food & Beverage

Location: San Diego, CA

Overview:

Our campus in San Diego is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Manager to oversee food and beverage procurement for a diverse portfolio that includes restaurants, cafés, residential dining, catering services, and banquets. This is a salary position where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness while upholding the highest quality standards. As part of our dynamic food and beverage program, you will collaborate with local and regional vendors to source top-quality ingredients and supplies that meet our rigorous standards and support our vibrant campus community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement & Ordering:
• Develop and implement strategic purchasing plans tailored to the unique needs of each dining venue.
• Coordinate and schedule orders to ensure that all campus dining operations—from casual cafés to formal banquets—are consistently supplied with fresh, high-quality products.
• Vendor Relationship Management:
• Identify, evaluate, and build strong relationships with local, regional, and national vendors.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing to secure competitive rates, volume discounts, and favorable terms, ensuring both cost savings and product excellence.
• Inventory Management:
• Monitor and manage stock levels across multiple operations, using inventory management systems to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Implement strategies to reduce waste and optimize storage, while maintaining compliance with food safety regulations.
• Cost Control & Analysis:
• Track food costs and analyze purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the finance team to develop and adhere to budgetary guidelines and financial targets.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance:
• Ensure that all procurement practices adhere to local, state, and federal food safety and storage regulations.
• Implement quality control measures to consistently meet or exceed campus dining standards.
• Collaboration & Communication:
• Work closely with culinary, operational, and event planning teams to align procurement with menu planning, seasonal changes, and special campus events.
• Provide regular updates and detailed reports to senior management on procurement performance and cost metrics.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in purchasing or procurement within a food service or hospitality environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, supplier negotiations, and cost control strategies.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with inventory management software and procurement tools is a plus.
• Knowledge of local San Diego food safety standards and regulations is preferred.

Additional Considerations:

• Local Expertise: Experience working within the San Diego market, with an understanding of regional vendor networks and market trends.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop long-term procurement strategies that support the growth and evolution of the campus dining program.
• Proactive Approach: Capable of anticipating potential supply chain challenges and implementing effective solutions swiftly.

If you are passionate about food and beverage operations and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we invite you to join our team and help shape the dining experience on our San Diego campus.

How to Apply:

If Interested please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications to We look forward to reviewing your application!