The Procurement Assistant is responsible for purchasing, receiving and proper storage of all food items, disposables and small wares for Vail Commons and Much Ado Catering . 

A successful candidate is highly a motivated, hands-on and committed professional who is a team player and seeks to meet and maintain high unit standards.   The Procurement Assistant is a full time, benefited position that will report to the Executive Chef.

Essential Functions –

Duties include, but are not limited to –

Review menus with Culinary staff to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand

Reviewing purchase orders for accuracy, completeness, and clarity

Place orders for products needed

Arrange for delivery and proper storage of purchased or produced product

Maintain inventory pars to prevent inventory gaps

Inspection of items received for quality.  Take corrective action when products or services received do not meet approved quality standards

Communicate daily with Executive Chef and staff on product utilization and outages.  Include when the product is restocked and acceptable substitutions

Develop and maintain relationships with service vendors and negotiate to obtain the highest quality product at the lowest cost

Maximize the benefits of the current Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) contract with complete knowledge of the contract

Complete understanding of all vendor contracts.

Prepare weekly comparative cost analysis on produce and proteins to compare vendor pricing

Update internal databases (Chef Tec) with current invoices, credits and vendors using manual and electronic entry

Work with Dining Services Office Manager on processing invoices and departmental transfer costing

Communicate daily with Executive Chef and staff on product utilization and outages.  Include when the product is restocked and acceptable substitutions

Ensure local and regional sourcing approach is maintained and developed relevant to business requirements

Manage vendors corporate responsibility requirements and the alignment of these to Davidson College and Davidson Dining Services strategies

Continue research of new product items and suppliers to add variety and value to our offerings

Maintain sustainability efforts daily; this includes removal of cardboard, delivery of food and paper waste for composting, and working with the Farm at Davidson College on obtaining information and product.

Working Conditions

Kitchen environment with exposure to sharp utensils, stoves, ovens, fryers, steam tables, and dishwashing equipment; ability to lift 20-50 pounds; exposure to hot/cold areas, hazardous chemicals or cleaning solutions and danger of slippery floors or work areas. 

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and at least three years’ experience in a quality food service environment required. 

Basic computer skills required, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, some Excel and researching on the internet.

Requires excellent organizational skills, ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.

ServSafe certification.

Must have clear sound judgment and problem-solving skills. 

To apply, please submit an online application with a resume to https://employment.davidson.edu.  Review of applications will begin immediately.

At Davidson College, we believe the college grows stronger by recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff committed to building an inclusive community.  In order to achieve and sustain educational excellence, we seek to hire talented faculty and staff across the intersections of diverse races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, political perspectives, abilities, cultures, and national origins.