Job Description

Job Listing: Purchasing Manager

At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.

Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

Location We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager for the Washington State Ferries located in Seattle, WA.

Unit Description:

Washington State Ferries operates the largest ferry system in the United States. Twenty-one ferries cross Puget Sound and its inland waterways, carrying more than 19 million passengers each year to 20 different terminals on 10 routes. From Tacoma, Washington, to the San Juan Islands, we travel up and down the Sound, acting as a marine highway for commercial users, tourists, and daily commuters alike. The fleet remains a major tourist attraction and an enduring icon of Washington State.

The Purchasing Manager plays a critical role in supporting Sodexo Live!'s mission to deliver exceptional guest experiences by ensuring that all food, beverage, and operational supplies are available, cost-effective, and meet the highest quality standards. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of procurement, receiving, inventory, and warehouse operations, while fostering strong partnerships with vendors and internal teams.

The Purchasing Manager will oversee purchasing staff and warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with food safety and workplace safety standards, accurate inventory management, and efficient product flow to support daily operations in catering, concessions, banquets, retail, premium, and beverage. Success in this role requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to balance cost control with quality and operational needs.

As a strategic partner to the Director of Operations, General Manager, and broader operations team, the Purchasing Manager contributes directly to financial performance, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, event-driven environment and takes pride in building processes that drive consistency, reliability, and profitability.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist with procurement, vendor management, and inventory operations across all lines of business.
• Source, negotiate, and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
• Evaluate and recommend new products, suppliers, and purchasing methods to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance profitability.
• Monitor vendor compliance with contracts, delivery schedules, food safety, and service standards.
• Partner with finance to ensure accurate invoice reconciliation and resolve discrepancies.
• Oversee receiving, storage, and distribution of products, ensuring compliance with health department and food safety regulations.
• Implement and monitor inventory control systems, conduct regular audits, and minimize shrinkage and waste.
• Ensure proper maintenance of warehouse equipment and facilities to support safe, efficient operations.
• Utilize purchasing and inventory systems to track trends, costs, and performance.
• Oversee commissary operations and commissary staff.
• Lead, train, and develop drivers and warehouse staff, fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Partner with the Director of Operations, General Manager, and operations teams to align purchasing strategies with menu needs, event schedules, and financial targets.

Qualifications/Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Hospitality, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of purchasing, inventory, or warehouse management experience, preferably within food and beverage, hospitality, or venue operations.
• Experience managing staff and leading teams in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost analysis, and P&L accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and purchasing/inventory management systems.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Other Requirements

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.
• Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Why Join Sodexo Live!?

At Sodexo Live!, we're proud to be experience makers, creating unforgettable moments for people across a wide range of industries and events. We bring that same commitment to our team members by offering a comprehensive benefits package that begins on day one, additional benefits include:

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
• Identity Theft Protection
• Adoption Assistance

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.