Freelance Food Purchasing Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
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.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University's contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
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