Strategic Procurement Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Join Loffredo Fresh Foods as the Director of Procurement based out of our Des Moines Headquarters. We are a local, family-owned food and produce distributor that has proudly served the Midwest region for over 130 years. We distribute to 11 different states across our 5 locations. Loffredo Fresh Foods believes that our employees are the key to a successful future. We are committed to attracting a team that is passionate, innovative, and committed to meeting our customer’s needs.

The Director of Procurement leads the company’s procurement and quality assurance strategy and is accountable for purchasing, inventory management, supplier performance, product quality, and supply chain results across our Midwest business units. This role is responsible for building and executing strategies that improve gross margin, product availability, inventory levels, shrink, and quality while ensuring our Procurement and Quality Assurance teams have the tools, processes, and accountability needed to succeed.

The Director will be a hands-on, collaborative leader who uses data to identify opportunities, develops programs and processes that deliver measurable results, and builds strong partnerships with suppliers and internal teams. This position works closely with Sales, Operations, and Marketing to improve execution, solve problems, support new customer and product growth, and ensure we consistently deliver the quality, value, and service our customers expect.

What We Look For

• 7+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain
• 2–3 years of experience leading, coaching, and developing a team
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered
• Proven ability to develop and execute procurement strategies that improve profitability and gross margin
• Ability to build effective relationships and collaborate across Procurement, Quality Assurance, Sales, Operations, Marketing, and other departments
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Experience developing and implementing departmental programs, processes, and performance standards
• Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, fill rate, shrink, and supply chain operations
• Produce, foodservice, or wholesale distribution experience strongly preferred
• Understanding of product quality, supplier performance, and quality assurance processes; food or produce quality experience strongly preferred
• Ability to use data and KPIs to identify opportunities, establish priorities, and drive results
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable developing a plan and driving its day-to-day execution
• Adaptable, collaborative, and eager to challenge existing processes and implement new ideas

What You'll Do

• Lead the overall Procurement and Quality Assurance strategy, vision, and direction for the organization
• Lead, coach, and develop the Procurement team and Quality Manager while establishing clear goals, expectations, and accountability for results
• Own departmental performance and results, with direct accountability for achieving company targets for fill rate, shrink, product quality, inventory levels, and gross margin
• Actively collaborate with Sales and Operations to improve processes, resolve service and quality challenges, and achieve company performance targets
• Drive COGS and gross profit improvement through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, purchasing practices, and product opportunities
• Build strong, accountable supplier partnerships, ensuring negotiated pricing and terms are implemented and holding suppliers accountable for quality, service, and appropriate credits
• Manage and continuously strengthen the vendor rebate program, ensuring agreements are accurately tracked and collected while identifying opportunities to expand programs and improve profitability
• Optimize inventory levels and purchasing practices to support strong fill rates while minimizing excess inventory and shrink, including proactively identifying at-risk inventory and partnering with Sales and Operations to develop action plans.
• Oversee the company’s quality assurance program and ensure consistent product quality standards and processes across the organization
• Work with the Quality Manager to identify recurring quality issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams
• Lead Procurement and Quality Assurance execution for new customer launches, coordinating cross-functionally to ensure product availability, inventory readiness, supplier alignment, quality standards, and a successful transition into ongoing operations
• Develop and lead a structured new product program that identifies emerging products and sourcing opportunities and brings them to Sales and Marketing with a clear plan to successfully launch and grow them with customers
• Evaluate and improve inbound transportation, carrier relationships, and inter-company logistics
• Analyze market conditions, supplier performance, quality trends, purchasing trends, and business needs to proactively identify risks and opportunities
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying performance gaps, addressing root causes, and implementing solutions that improve efficiency, profitability, product quality, and customer satisfaction

What you’ll gain as a Loffredo Team Member:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, available the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• 401k with company match available following 6 months of employment
• Additional voluntary insurance such as basic/supplemental life and disability
• Paid time off & Paid holidays
• Bi-Weekly Pay or the option to enroll in Daily Pay for immediate access to earned wages
• Regular and constructive performance feedback
• Healthy, fresh produce you can take home to your family through our generous employee purchase program