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Food Purchasing Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Overview of The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization ... Food industry experience a plus Key Role Expectations * Functions as a working manager , not solely ...

$125K - $140K/yr

Overview of The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization ... Food industry experience a plus Key Role Expectations * Functions as a working manager , not solely ...

Issues, receives, properly stores, and maintains control of all food & beverage products and ... Alerts Purchasing Management regarding: * Post-event overstock requiring vendor return * Daily ...

Track food costs, purchasing trends, vendor performance, and sourcing opportunities across the ... Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating pricing agreements * Financial acumen ...

Track food costs, purchasing trends, vendor performance, and sourcing opportunities across the ... Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating pricing agreements * Financial acumen ...

Purchasing Supervisor

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $31.50/hr

Manage order fulfillment by coordinating with vendors and internal departments to ensure all food items are delivered on time to keep the production on schedule. * Track purchase activities to avoid ...

Purchasing Supervisor

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $31.50/hr

Manage order fulfillment by coordinating with vendors and internal departments to ensure all food items are delivered on time to keep the production on schedule. * Track purchase activities to avoid ...

Purchasing Clerk

Lakewood, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Restaurant or food distribution experience a plus * Energetic and positive attitude * Able to lift up to 30 lbs. * Reports to: * Purchasing Manager and Director of Purchasing

... food, water, shampoo, and even cold medication. Be part of our global success and together, we ... The Phenomenex Manager, Purchasing and Materials is responsible for managing and providing ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Purchasing Manager information

See California salary details

$40K

$83.1K

$125.8K

How much do food purchasing manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for food purchasing manager in California is $83,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food purchasing manager do?

A Food Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the supply of food products for a business, such as a restaurant, hotel, or food distributor. They negotiate with vendors, ensure quality and cost-effectiveness, maintain inventory levels, and comply with food safety regulations. Their role is crucial in maintaining a steady supply chain while optimizing costs and ensuring high-quality standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a food purchasing manager?

To thrive as a Food Purchasing Manager, you need a solid background in supply chain management, negotiation, budgeting, and knowledge of food safety standards, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems (such as ERP software), data analysis tools, and possibly certifications like Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) are commonly valued. Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills help you effectively manage vendor interactions and internal collaboration. These skills ensure efficient procurement processes, cost control, and high-quality food supply for the organization.

What challenges does a food purchasing manager face?

Food Purchasing Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing cost efficiency with quality requirements, ensuring timely delivery despite supply chain disruptions, and adapting to fluctuating market prices. They also need to maintain strong supplier relationships while enforcing strict food safety and compliance standards. Successful managers proactively monitor inventory levels, anticipate demand shifts, and coordinate closely with culinary and operations teams. These challenges make the role dynamic and require strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Is a food purchasing manager a stressful job?

A food purchasing manager's role can be stressful due to the need to manage supply chain disruptions, meet tight deadlines, and control costs. The job often requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What are popular job titles related to Food Purchasing Manager jobs in California?

For Food Purchasing Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Purchasing Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Purchasing Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Purchasing Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Purchasing Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Purchasing Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,099 per year, or $40 per hour.

Senior Purchasing Manager

Houdini Inc.

Fullerton, CA

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview of Job Description:

The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization’s purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed.

This individual applies a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisions
  • Foster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
  • Provide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team members
  • Step in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issues

Hands-On Purchasing & Execution

  • Perform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policies
  • Actively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issues
  • Ensure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plans
  • Support buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalations

Vendor Management & Negotiation

  • Identify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costs
  • Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performance
  • Address and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicing
  • Continuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings

Procurement Processes & Compliance

  • Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitions
  • Ensure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total cost
  • Administer established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelines
  • Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teams
  • Support internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needs
  • Collaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning
  • Ensure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goals

Process Improvement & Operational Oversight

  • Evaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
  • Analyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvements
  • Primarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changes
  • Support departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiatives

Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience:

Skills & Competencies

  • Comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principles
  • Proven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in execution
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and priorities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred
  • 7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industries
  • Demonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilities
  • Global sourcing experience a plus
  • Food industry experience a plus

Key Role Expectations

  • Functions as a working manager, not solely a delegator
  • Balances tactical execution with leadership responsibilities
  • Provides direct, hands-on support to ensure team success and continuity of operations
  • Drives both operational excellence and continuous improvement

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 5 - 10 years
Salary: $125,000 - $140,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No