Director of Procurement

Are you the kind of leader who sees opportunity in complexity? If you pair analytical grit with a knack for building high-trust relationships, we want to meet you.

Earls Kitchen + Bar is seeking a Director of Procurement for a 14-month contract based in Vancouver, BC. This role calls for a strategic operator with sharp instincts, deep industry knowledge, and the ability to lead with both data and heart.

You’ll guide our sourcing strategy, champion supplier partnerships, and empower a high-performing team, ensuring every decision reflects our commitment to quality, value, and an elevated guest experience. If you thrive in a high-stakes, high-collaboration environment where your impact touches everything from the menu to the bottom line, this could be your next big move.

**Role Responsibilities**
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Procurement team to optimize performance and engagement, including day-to-day coaching and long-term development. This includes setting expectations, managing performance, and assigning responsibility for the team's work.
- Lead strategic sourcing and forecasting to secure high-quality products that align with market trends and evolving business needs. Ensure procurement decisions support financial objectives, adjusting purchasing strategies to optimize value and meet budget targets.
- Build and manage high-impact supplier partnerships to access top-tier products and programs. Drive negotiations that deliver favorable terms, ensure transparency, and hold vendors accountable for cost control and risk mitigation.
- Monitor industry trends and market dynamics to anticipate shifts, mitigate risk, and uncover opportunities for innovation and cost optimization. Monitor and interpret industry trends to identify procurement opportunities, adapting strategies to maintain a competitive edge and support innovation across the organization.
- Own the full vendor management lifecycle—including selection, contracting, performance review, and compliance—ensuring alignment with our standards and values. Establish and nurture long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, monitoring ongoing performance and ensuring alignment with company goals and values.
- Act as the escalation point for supply chain disruptions; implement contingency plans to minimize operational impact.
- Lead crisis response efforts for supply chain disruptions by swiftly sourcing alternatives and renegotiating supplier terms. Maintain business continuity and minimize operational and financial impact through agile, real-time decision-making.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Culinary, Bar Development, Marketing, and Design & Construction to integrate procurement into broader business strategies. Make key procurement decisions with cross-functional impact, collaborating with Culinary Development, Bar Development, Marketing, and Design & Construction to ensure product alignment and seamless execution across teams.
- Shape and recommend comprehensive process documentation and playbooks to support training, cross-functional visibility, and continuity across all core procurement functions.
- Identify internal trends and the needs of the organization, and implement solutions that meet the needs of the business.
- Manage implementation of the Procurement team’s short
- and long-term strategy, vision, and goals, ensuring day-to-day execution is aligned with larger business objectives.
- Monitor and manage the procurement budget, including training and development allocations, and contribute to broader planning and goal-setting initiatives.

**Qualifications**
- 8+ years of progressive experience in Procurement and Supply Chain, ideally in the restaurant, hospitality, or food & beverage sectors.
- 3+ years of people leadership experience, including 1+ year at the Director level, leading strategy and cross-functional initiatives.
- Degree or Diploma in Business, Supply Chain Management, Hospitality, or related field.
- Advanced knowledge of food safety, vendor risk, perishables, and distribution logistics.
- Proven success in contract negotiation, cost control, and supplier relationship management.
- Experience navigating supply chain risk, managing disruptions, and building resilient procurement systems.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of aligning sourcing decisions to evolving market conditions and business goals.
- Passionate about coaching and developing talent at all levels.
- Skilled collaborator with strong influence across diverse teams and departments.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant procurement platforms.
- A deep passion for hospitality and a belief in the power of procurement to enhance the guest experience.

**Bonus Points**
- A sense of humour.
- A serious passion for food - we like to eat around here (sometimes wine is involved).
- Open to personal development and growth.
- The drive to succeed and the passion to be a part of Earls growth.
- Big team player - able to be both a leader a