Role Overview for VP, Sourcing & Procurement with a Major Food Distributor – Memphis, TN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, nationally recognized food distributor in their search for a transformative Vice President of Sourcing & Procurement. Based in the vibrant logistics hub of Memphis, TN, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the company’s strategic vision for growth, efficiency, and market leadership. Our client is a multi-billion dollar organization with a complex supply chain that serves thousands of customers across the country, from independent restaurants to large-scale institutions. The individual who steps into this role will be responsible for the strategic direction and operational excellence of all sourcing and procurement activities, managing an annual spend in the hundreds of millions.
This is not merely a tactical procurement role; it is a strategic executive position that requires a forward-thinking leader capable of navigating the complexities of global commodity markets, fostering resilient supplier partnerships, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. You will be the chief architect of a sourcing strategy that directly impacts the company’s bottom line, product quality, and ability to innovate. You will lead a talented team of procurement professionals, empowering them to achieve new levels of performance and strategic value.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the food distribution landscape, a proven track record of delivering significant cost savings and value creation, and the executive presence to influence key stakeholders across the organization, from the C-suite to frontline operations. If you are a results-driven procurement leader with a passion for the food industry and a desire to make a tangible impact on a thriving enterprise, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Sourcing & Procurement with a Major Food Distributor – Memphis, TN
The Vice President of Sourcing & Procurement will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Develop, champion, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic sourcing vision that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives. Lead the development of sophisticated category strategies for all direct and indirect spend, including proteins, produce, dairy, dry goods, packaging, and logistics. Implement rigorous analytical processes to monitor market dynamics, predict price fluctuations, and identify opportunities for value capture.
Leadership & Team Development
Provide exceptional leadership, mentorship, and professional development to a multi-layered team of sourcing managers, buyers, and analysts. Foster a high-performance culture characterized by collaboration, strategic thinking, accountability, and continuous learning. Establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to drive performance, manage workloads, and ensure departmental goals are consistently met or exceeded.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Cultivate and manage strategic, long-term relationships with a diverse portfolio of key domestic and international suppliers. Move beyond transactional interactions to build true partnerships that drive innovation, quality improvement, and mutual growth. Lead the development of a formal SRM program, including supplier scorecards, performance reviews, and joint business planning sessions to ensure alignment and mitigate risks.
Cost Optimization & Financial Acumen
Take ultimate ownership of the company’s procurement budget, driving significant and sustainable cost savings without compromising quality or service. Develop and implement advanced negotiation strategies for high-value contracts. Champion Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models to ensure purchasing decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of value. Collaborate closely with the CFO and finance team on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
Design and implement a robust risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions within the supply chain. This includes developing contingency plans for geopolitical instability, climate-related events, supplier failures, and commodity volatility. Ensure a resilient and agile supply base through strategic dual-sourcing, geographic diversification, and rigorous supplier vetting.
Process Excellence & Technology Enablement
Drive continuous improvement across the entire procure-to-pay (P2P) lifecycle. Evaluate, select, and implement cutting-edge procurement technologies (e.g., e-sourcing, contract management, spend analytics tools) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. Standardize processes and establish best practices in line with guidance from leading organizations like the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to leaders in Operations, Sales, Marketing, Quality Assurance, and Culinary Innovation. Ensure that procurement strategies support new product introductions, sales initiatives, and operational efficiency goals. Lead cross-functional teams to tackle complex supply chain challenges and opportunities.
Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility
Develop and integrate a sustainable and ethical sourcing strategy into all procurement activities. Partner with suppliers to improve traceability, reduce environmental impact, and ensure compliance with social responsibility standards, enhancing the company’s brand reputation and meeting evolving customer expectations.
Requirements for the VP, Sourcing & Procurement with a Major Food Distributor – Memphis, TN
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a specific blend of experience, skills, and educational background. The non-negotiable and preferred qualifications for this role include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director level or above) managing a significant team and spend.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and deep experience within the food and beverage, food distribution, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or large-scale restaurant/retail industry is absolutely essential. Experience managing complex food commodity categories is a must.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a high-caliber professional procurement organization. A track record of being a transformative leader who can elevate a team’s capabilities and strategic impact.
Negotiation & Contractual Acumen
World-class negotiation skills with a history of successfully structuring and managing complex, multi-million dollar supplier agreements. Deep expertise in contract law and risk allocation.
Analytical & Strategic Mindset
Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic plans. A holistic thinker who can connect procurement decisions to broader business outcomes.
Technical Proficiency
High level of proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor) and advanced procurement software suites. Strong command of Microsoft Excel for financial modeling and data analysis.
Communication Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the executive presence and credibility to effectively present to and influence the C-suite, Board of Directors, and external partners.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- A highly competitive base salary and executive-level annual bonus program.
- Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) participation.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Significant Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive education.
- An energetic, collaborative, and growth-oriented company culture.
- Employee wellness programs and other corporate perks.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates. If your background aligns with the strategic needs of our client, a senior recruiter from our team will contact you to discuss the role in greater detail. Learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our Supply Chain & Operations Executive Search practice area. We look forward to receiving your application and exploring this exciting career opportunity with you.
