Director Strategic Sourcing - Produce

Job Description

Title :

Director, Strategic Sourcing ? Produce

Location :

Philadelphia, PA (HQ) and Rockville, MD (Avendra) preferred

Position Summary :

The Director, Strategic Sourcing ? Produce, leads a team responsible for sourcing and managing fresh produce and value-added produce categories within Aramark?s Strategic Sourcing organization. This role requires a strategic, analytical approach to supplier management, cost transparency, and category innovation. The Director will develop and execute sourcing strategies that deliver value, quality, and sustainability for Aramark?s clients and operations.

Position Reports to :

VP, Strategic Sourcing

Number of Direct Reports :

1-3

Job Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities :

Lead the produce sourcing team to identify trends, opportunities, and new categories that create value for all Aramark entities and its clients.

Develop and document category strategies for fresh produce and value-added produce, including pack size standardization, cost transparency (FOB, packaging, processing), and supply chain optimization.

Maintain deep knowledge of produce markets, including seasonality, distribution channels, cost structures, and industry trends.

Incorporate Aramark?s business model and customer needs into sourcing strategies, ensuring alignment with sustainability and food safety standards.

Manage, coach, and mentor a team of sourcing professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Oversee contract negotiations, supplier selection, and relationship management to ensure high-quality, cost-effective supply.

Partner with internal stakeholders (Culinary, Operations, QA, Sustainability) to develop and roll out produce programs.

Monitor team initiatives, provide regular updates to leadership, and ensure timely execution of sourcing projects.

Serve as the technical expert in produce sourcing for client and supplier meetings.

Identify and implement best practices in produce sourcing and supply chain management.

Lead supplier negotiations and pricing strategy development for complex produce agreements.

Secondary Responsibilities :

Ensure collaboration with internal departments, clients, and suppliers to maximize contract success.

Address competitive issues, pricing strategies, supplier performance, and innovation within produce categories.

Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across Aramark, GPOs, clients, and suppliers.

Support business ownership activities and promote the use of sourcing tools and analytics.

Respond to client requests and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

Primary Competencies :

Planning and Organization

Negotiation

Functional / Technical Skills (Produce Sourcing)

Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Results Orientation

Supervisory Competencies :

Team Development

Performance Management

Leadership Agility

Valuing and Managing Differences

Other Duties :

This role description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment :

Office-based in Philadelphia, PA and Rockville, MD, with routine use of standard office equipment.

Physical Demands :

Primarily sedentary, with occasional light lifting.

Role Requirements :

Strong technical sourcing and negotiation skills, with a focus on produce categories.

Detail-oriented, innovative thinker with strong analytical and project management skills.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team of professionals.

Experience developing category and product knowledge in produce, including value-added and specialty items.

Ability to develop contracts that meet client business needs and drive value.

Strong relationship-building skills at all levels within Aramark, GPOs, clients, and suppliers.

Overnight Travel Requirements :

10?20%, 1?3 nights per trip.

Years of Relevant Experience :

10+ years in strategic sourcing, with significant experience in produce or foodservice categories.

Education Requirements :

BS / BA in a relevant field or equivalent experience; Master?s preferred.

Benefits

Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work / life resources.

Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage.

Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and / or works.

For more information about Aramark benefits, click here

Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation .

Flexible work arrangements

Generous PTO, Vacation and 9 paid holidays

Volunteer days, community partnerships, Employee Assistance Program

Employee discounts on select services and products

Your choice of three medical plan tiers, two carriers to choose from & My Healthy Changes well-being program

Adoption Assistance & Paid Parental Leave

Tuition Funding Sources and Scholarship Programs

Retirement plan (401K or SIRP for those eligible) with match on annual contributions

COMPENSATION : The hourly rate or salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000.

If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer.

This is Aramark?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

At Aramark, our goal is to give you a strong financial foundation as well as peace of mind. Learn about our benefits & compensation here.

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at

http : / / www.aramarkcareers.com

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