Jobs › Sysco

Purchasing Manager

Sysco · Woodridge, IL · $80,000–$95,000 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Sysco

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you improved a supplier's performance. What did you measure and how did you push for change?

What they are checking: Whether they manage suppliers with clear metrics and follow-through, not just complaints.

Tell me about a team of buyers you've led. How did you develop them?

What they are checking: Whether they coach and grow people instead of only managing tasks.

Tell me about a continuous improvement project you led in purchasing or inventory.

What they are checking: Whether they have driven real process change, which the posting names as part of the job.

What would you do

A major supplier of foodservice equipment misses delivery dates for the third week in a row. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they protect service continuity with backup sources while dealing with the root cause.

Sales wants you to stock a large amount of a new product for a promotion, but you think the forecast is too high. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they challenge numbers with data while keeping a good working relationship with sales.

How do you handle a buyer on your team who keeps making the same costly mistakes?

What they are checking: Whether they address performance problems directly and fairly rather than avoiding them.

About the work

How do you set inventory targets across multiple distribution centers that have different demand patterns?

What they are checking: Whether they balance service levels and carrying cost with data instead of one rule for every site.

How do you build a purchasing strategy that reduces cost without hurting service?

What they are checking: Whether they understand trade-offs among price, lead time, minimums and stockouts.

How do you use demand planning data when deciding what and how much to order?

What they are checking: Whether they work from forecasts and history rather than reacting to whatever ran out yesterday.

What purchasing metrics would you watch every week, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they focus on measures like fill rate, inventory turns and excess stock that show real health.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Sysco from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Sysco.

Company: US0670 Edward Don Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60517 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $80,000 - $95,000 The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Factors that may be used to determine your actual rate of pay include your specific skills, years of experience and other factors. You may be eligible to participate in the Company's Incentive Plan. BENEFITS INFORMATION: For information on Sysco’s Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com Position Summary The Purchasing Manager will lead the procurement of foodservice products, equipment, and operational supplies across multiple distribution centers, ensuring optimal inventory levels, supplier performance, and service continuity. This role drives cost-effective purchasing strategies, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement while building strong partnerships across the business. The ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven leader who develops high-performing teams, fosters collaboration, and delivers results through effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Qualifications Required Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, inventory management, demand planning, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Minimum of 1 year of supervisory, team lead, or management experience. • Strong knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, and replenishment practices. • Experience working with Purchasing, Inventory, and Demand Management systems. • Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working with SAP or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. • Experience in foodservice, distribution, supply chain, or related industries. Core Competencies • Strategic Thinking • Inventory & Demand Planning • Supplier Relationship Management • Negotiation & Influencing Skills • Data Analysis & Reporting • Process Improvement • Team Leadership & Development • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Communication & Relationship Building • Results Orientation Key Responsibilities Purchasing & Inventory Management • Lead purchasing activities for foodservice products, equipment, and operational supplies across multiple distribution centers. • Ensure adequate inventory levels to support projected sales and service-level objectives. • Monitor inventory performance and implement strategies to optimize stock levels while minimizing costs. • Review expedited purchasing requests and identify cost-effective solutions to meet operational needs. • Partner with distribution center teams to prioritize receipt of critical purchase orders. Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing • Evaluate supplier performance and collaborate with vendors to improve service levels, product availability, and inventory turns. • Negotiate supplier agreements and work with vendors to improve purchasing terms and order efficiencies. • Lead supplier meetings to address issues, drive accountability, and strengthen business partnerships. • Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve procurement effectiveness. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence • Analyze purchasing and inventory data to optimize replenishment strategies and support service-level goals. • Partner with internal stakeholders to improve procurement processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives. • Provide guidance on inventory planning and material requirements planning (MRP) settings to support business objectives. • Leverage data and reporting to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks. Leadership & Team Development • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Buyers and procurement professionals. • Establish performance expectations and provide regular feedback, coaching, and career development opportunities. • Monitor team productivity and ensure timely purchase order maintenance and issue resolution. • Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development planning. • Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding activities. • Recommend personnel actions including promotions, transfers, salary adjustments, and disciplinary actions, as appropriate. • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture. Communication & Collaboration • Serve as a key procurement partner to internal stakeholders across operations, distribution, sales, and supply chain functions. • Communicate department priorities, business updates, and process changes to the team. • Keep leadership informed of significant issues, risks, and opportunities requiring escalation or support. • Perform other duties as assigned #LI-EJ1 OVERVIEW: Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations. We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We’re looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law. This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Apply at Sysco