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Food Purchasing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Assistant

Miami, FL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Global Food Corp is seeking a bilingual Purchasing Assistant to support our Purchasing team. This is a great opportunity for someone with purchasing, inventory, foodservice, restaurant, or food ...

Food Service Manager

Cortez, CO · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Manage food purchasing, inventory, and department budgets. * Recruit, train, supervise, and schedule Food Service staff. * Monitor food quality, presentation, and resident satisfaction. * Collaborate ...

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Food Purchasing information

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How much do food purchasing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food purchasing in the United States is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Food Purchasing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Purchasing, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of supply chain management, and experience with procurement processes, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management software, ERP systems, and certifications like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are common requirements. Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring cost-effective, timely, and high-quality food supply for organizations.

What is food purchasing?

Food purchasing refers to the process of sourcing, ordering, and acquiring food products and ingredients for restaurants, cafeterias, grocery stores, or other food service operations. Food purchasers are responsible for selecting suppliers, negotiating prices, ensuring product quality, and maintaining inventory levels. Their role helps ensure that food establishments have the necessary ingredients to meet menu demands while managing costs and minimizing waste.

What is the difference between Food Purchasing vs Food Inventory Coordinator?

AspectFood PurchasingFood Inventory Coordinator
Primary RoleProcures food products from suppliers based on menu needs and budgetsManages and tracks food inventory levels within a facility
Required SkillsNegotiation, supplier relations, knowledge of food productsInventory management, record keeping, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentOffice, warehouse, or food service settingsKitchen, storage areas, or inventory rooms
CertificationsFood safety certifications often preferredInventory or supply chain certifications beneficial

Food Purchasing focuses on acquiring food supplies from vendors, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Food Inventory Coordinator manages stock levels, tracks inventory, and ensures proper storage. While both roles support food service operations, Purchasing emphasizes procurement, whereas Inventory Coordination emphasizes stock management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Food Purchasing, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in Food Purchasing is balancing cost control with quality and supplier reliability, especially in a fast-changing market. Professionals often need to manage supply chain disruptions, seasonal availability, and fluctuating prices while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Effective communication with suppliers, strong negotiation skills, and adaptability are essential for overcoming these hurdles. Building solid relationships with vendors and staying updated on market trends can help maintain a steady and cost-effective supply of quality products.
More about Food Purchasing jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Purchasing jobs? Cities with the most Food Purchasing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Purchasing jobs? The most popular types of Food Purchasing jobs are:
What states have the most Food Purchasing jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Purchasing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Purchasing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,688 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR I - SES - 50556006

FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR I - SES - 50556006

MyFlorida

Orlando, FL • On-site

$48K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


State Of Florida rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 877988 

Agency: Veterans Affairs

Working Title: FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR I - SES - 50556006

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 50556006 

Salary:  $48,183.20 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 07/21/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Requisition # 877988

 

FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR I - SES

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs

Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans' Nursing Home

Orlando, FL -Orange County

Annual Salary: $48,183.20

Paid Bi-Weekly

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is an agency dedicated to serving those who served U.S. We are seeking a motivated, dynamic individual to administer our resident heroes' activities program. Our skilled nursing facility boasts a loyal team of long-term employees and a fantastic work culture.

 

 Excellent retirement package and optional deferred compensation plan.  Health, vision, dental, disability, and other supplemental insurance are available at reasonable premium rates.  Paid vacation and sick leave. Nine (9) paid holidays and one (1) personal day.  Tuition waiver is available for State Universities and Community Colleges (up to six (6) credits per semester).

 *Education and employment history must be verifiable. Please attach any credentials you claim (degrees, certifications, etc.) to your application. *

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or must be eligible to sit for the CDM exam and successfully obtain a certification within one (1) year of hire.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of experience in food service plus a minimum of one (1) year of experience supervising food service operations and staff.
  • Computer proficiency in the use of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Successful completion of the employment screening process includes, but is not limited to, a national background investigation and drug test.  

https://info.flclearinghouse.com

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Employment experience in a long-term care facility with a geriatric population
  • Electronic dietary tracking experience
  • Food production experience
  • Food purchasing and inventory experience.
  • Willingness and ability to create and communicate menus suitable for a geriatric population.
  • Have nutritional clinical documentation experience.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Administrator and will plan and direct the facility food service and staff to ensure sanitary, safe, nutritious, and cost-effective meals and snacks for residents. 

  • Ensures residents' needs for therapeutic meals are met and reflect likes and dislikes. 
  • Maintains all phases of food purchasing, storage, preparation, production control, merchandising, service, and inventory control and ensures the functioning of the dietary department in accordance with Federal and State Statutes and Regulations. 
  • Will attend Care Plan meetings and complete MDS.
  • Manages the staff of Food Service Administrators, Food Control Specialists (cooks), Food Support Workers, and others assigned to work in the food preparation activities of the Home. 
  • Plans all work schedules so that workloads, special functions, and events are covered, and maximum use of staff and time are utilized. 
  • Trains staff in performing their duties in an efficient manner. 
  • Motivates employees to obtain their maximum quality and quantity of work. 
  • Interacts with residents of the Home to address areas of concern and to maintain a positive image.
  • Initiates all purchase requests for food and other kitchen supplies. 
  • Maintains inventory control. 
  • Maintains food production control. 
  • Verifies incoming shipments. 
  • Maintains necessary cost analysis paperwork and ensures the entire department is functional within budgetary guidelines.
  • Ensures safety and sanitation procedures in the preparation and serving of food and in the use and cleaning of food production equipment. 
  • Trains staff in proper sanitation and preparation techniques. 
  • Overseas proper use, care, and maintenance of all kitchen equipment.
  • Evaluates employees, present performance standards and evaluations. 
  • Hire and discipline all Food Service employees. 
  • Oversees training of all new food service employees. 
  • Present in-service instructions on needed topics.
  • Consults with the Dietitian regarding menus; policies and procedures; in-service; clinical nutrition concerns; Total Quality Leadership concerns; compliance with all state and federal regulations; and any other areas of concern.
  • Develop policy and procedures to manage the food service department and trains staff.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

This position is in the Selected Exempt Service system.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.


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