Director of Procurement PJK

Position OverviewKeany Produce & Gourmet is seeking a Director of Procurement to lead sourcing, purchasing, and vendor strategy across our produce portfolio, non-produce categories and retail programs. Operating multiple distribution facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southern United States, Keany is a premier distributor known for quality, service, and long-standing vendor relationships. This role is critical to ensuring product quality, supply continuity, competitive cost structure, and strong alignment with sales and operations. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Procurement LeadershipDevelop and execute procurement strategies for fresh produce, select non-produce categories and retail programs - aligned with company margin, service, and growth objectives.Lead purchasing activities across all distribution facilities, ensuring consistency while allowing for regional market nuances.Establish and maintain strategic relationships with growers, shippers, and national suppliers.Oversee contract negotiations, pricing programs, and vendor performance standards. Market Intelligence & SourcingMonitor produce markets, seasonality, weather impacts, and supply trends.Leverage market intelligence to guide pricing strategy, promotions, and product substitutions.Identify new sourcing opportunities and alternative suppliers to strengthen overall offerings. Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Sales, Operations, Quality Assurance, and Finance to align procurement decisions with customer needs and operational realities.Support sales initiatives by ensuring consistent supply, competitive cost structures, and differentiated product offerings.Collaborate with Quality Assurance to uphold food safety, traceability, and product specifications. Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead and develop a high-performing procurement team.Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and professional development paths for procurement staff.Promote a culture of integrity, urgency, and continuous improvement. Financial & Performance ManagementManage procurement budgets, gross margin targets, and inventory risk.Analyze vendor performance, cost trends, and purchasing efficiencies to drive continuous improvement.Provide leadership with reporting and insights related to procurement performance and market conditions. 5+ years of procurement experience in a distribution environment (Produce, Specialty Products, Retail).Proven leadership experience managing multi-location or regional procurement operations.Deep understanding of produce markets, grower relationships, and seasonality.Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial acumen.Ability to collaborate effectively across departments in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.Willingness to travel regularly to distribution facilities, suppliers, and growing regions.