Director, Purchasing (Restaurants)

Tab Commerce

Tab Commerce

Austin, TX, USA · Remote

Posted on May 4, 2026

The Role

We’re hiring a Director of Purchasing to lead supplier strategy, contract negotiation, and purchasing optimization across our growing network of restaurant partners.

This is a highly strategic role focused on driving cost efficiencies, building strong supplier relationships, and developing scalable systems that improve how restaurants source goods and services. You’ll work cross-functionally to design and implement a modern, technology-enabled approach to purchasing.

What You’ll Do

Lead Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Partnerships

  • Build and manage relationships with national and regional suppliers across key categories (food, beverage, disposables, services)
  • Identify opportunities to improve pricing, terms, and overall supplier performance
  • Develop sourcing strategies aligned with operator needs

Negotiate High-Impact Agreements

  • Lead contract negotiations with manufacturers, distributors, and service providers
  • Structure pricing, rebates, and incentive programs that drive measurable savings
  • Leverage aggregated demand across partners where applicable

Build Scalable Purchasing Systems

  • Design processes and frameworks that standardize purchasing across a diverse set of operators
  • Create playbooks for supplier onboarding, category expansion, and contract management
  • Develop reporting and performance tracking across vendors and categories

Develop AI-Enabled Workflows

  • Implement AI agents and automation tools to:
    • Analyze pricing and benchmark suppliers
    • Streamline sourcing and RFP workflows
    • Monitor contract compliance and identify savings opportunities
  • Partner with product and engineering teams to embed intelligence into purchasing operations
  • Continuously improve efficiency and reduce manual overhead

Drive Operator Value

  • Deliver measurable cost savings and improved unit economics for restaurant partners
  • Provide transparency into pricing, performance, and savings
  • Collaborate with customer teams to align purchasing strategy with real-world operator needs

What We’re Looking For

Relevant Industry Experience

  • 7–15+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or purchasing leadership
  • Experience negotiating supplier agreements at:
    • Large restaurant groups (multi-unit / national scale), or
    • Foodservice GPOs or purchasing organizations
  • Strong understanding of foodservice supply chain dynamics

Proven Negotiator

  • Track record of securing favorable pricing, rebates, and contract terms
  • Deep familiarity with distributor and manufacturer economics

Systems-Oriented Builder

  • Experience creating or scaling purchasing processes across multiple locations or brands
  • Ability to design structured, repeatable systems in a fast-moving environment

AI / Automation Mindset

  • Interest in leveraging AI and automation to scale operations efficiently
  • Ability to identify opportunities for intelligent workflows and reduced manual effort

Analytical & Strategic

  • Strong financial intuition and data-driven decision-making
  • Comfortable working across both strategic planning and hands-on execution

Nice to Have

  • Experience working with or alongside purchasing cooperatives or networks
  • Exposure to restaurant technology systems (POS, inventory, AP/AR)
  • Background in high-growth or tech-enabled environments