Position Summary:

The National Produce Purchasing Supervisor is responsible for the execution of the Fresh Produce Category strategy within their assigned region.  They lead a team of Divisional Produce Buyers, overseeing day-to-day replenishment, vendor management and regional inventory health.  Responsible for ensuring cost competitiveness and driving profitable growth within their region.  This role acts as the bridge between national strategy and local execution, ensuring regional divisions achieve KPIs related to category growth objectives (sales dollars, cases, margin, brand and product mix targets), fill rate, liquidation, market relevance and cost competitiveness by leveraging a defined mix of sourcing solutions (including Markon, Specialty Companies, and local/regional partners).  The Regional Produce supervisor develops regional sourcing plans, fosters relationships with local/regional suppliers and provides support to Produce specialists to drive market relevance and competitive pricing.   To achieve this, decisions need to be informed by knowledge of current trends, internal and external category data, and feedback from engaged relationships with GFS Stakeholders.  Collaborates with internal stakeholders (NA Category Team, Merchandising, Revenue Management, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Capstone and Operations) to execute the strategy and ensure all KPIs are met.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for achieving Key Performance Indicators( KPI) 

• Team Leadership: Leads, develops, and manages a team of Divisional Buyers, overseeing performance appraisals and day-to-day workload delegation.

• Regional Sourcing: Executes seasonal and regional sourcing plans, identifying local sourcing opportunities for direct or fill-in purchasing to complement the national portfolio.

• Inventory & Service Levels: Governs regional buying parameters to ensure high service levels (in-stock %) while minimizing spoilage, liquidation, and right-sizing inventory across regional distribution centers and aligns with Regional Supply Chain Managers.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partners with Divisional Supply chain, Regional Sales, Marketing, Merchandising and Warehouse Operations (DOWs, QA, IC) to ensure proper product flow and quality standards that meet customer expectations.

• Market Awareness: Maintains real-time awareness of regional market conditions, including weather and seasonality, to proactively adjust sourcing and minimize product loss.

• Operational Excellence: Directs the resolution of quality or service problems with regional suppliers and ensures compliance with enterprise procurement and finance philosophies.

• Ensures strict alignment with, and supports, enterprise procurement and finance philosophies while consistently achieving divisional business objectives.

• Leads strategic collaboration with Marketing, Merchandising, Revenue Management, Inventory Teams, Sales, Supply Chain and key customers to proactively plan future events, determine product trends and validate new product requirements and opportunities within the region.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Produce Expertise: Extensive produce procurement experience and product knowledge, including regional terminal buying and source-region dynamics.

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop teams and manage by influence across regional departments.

• Analytical Skills: Proficient in data analytics (SAP, AR, Microstrategy) to interpret regional pricing, margin performance, and customer needs.

• Supply Chain Management: Advanced knowledge of perishable supply chain principles, including regional freight networks and inventory flow optimization.

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to share strategies and resolve issues with regional GMs, Directors, and Sales teams.

• Category Management — Proficient category management skills including product lifecycle management, sourcing and procurement, cost and pricing, sales and marketing metrics, strategies and tactics. 

• Business Acumen — Proficiency of business and management principles involved in strategic planning to inject creativity, fresh thinking, new perspectives and to generate new and imaginative ideas.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Data Analysis / Analytics Skills — Proficiency in analyzing information; able to use analytics and associated tools  to analyze and interpret data related to industry trends, pricing, margin performance, customer needs, etc. 

• Managing Relationships — Must be able to build relationships, network, influence and link resources to plan and execute business practices.  

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for the next stage will be contacted.   Gordon Food Service is an equal opportunity employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people.  All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to any enumerated or analogous grounds of discrimination, including race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified individual with disability.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to [email protected] and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.