BASIC FUNCTION:  Perform a variety of highly complex, specialized technical duties associated with the purchase, lease, rental, delivery, inventory and quality of supplies, such as but not limited to ordering groceries, packaging materials, chemicals, equipment, furniture, vehicles and services and timely delivery schedule.  Execute departmental product and service agreements, research and obtain pricing that ensures highest quality at lowest price, coordinate assigned activities with department of procurement, other staff, vendors, outside agencies, and the general public; ensure inventory is available for food production, provide assistance to the Executive Director of Nutrition Services.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist the Executive Director by coordinating operational activities for the Nutrition Services department as they relate to the purchase, lease or rental of goods and services for the purposes of operational efficiencies at the Central Kitchen, Warehouse and school sites.
• Identify, order and monitor to ensure all food purchases meet guidelines for the Good Food Purchasing Program requirements as well as Federal guidelines for Buy American Provision.
• Use the automated purchase order system to facilitate ordering of groceries, packaging materials, chemicals, equipment, furniture, vehicles and services used by Nutrition Services.
• Review stocked and non-stocked items; forecast quantities of food, beverages, packaging materials and related food service supplies utilizing current recipes and menus with all vendors and for daily operations; set periodic automatic replenishment levels (PAR) for food, beverages, packaging materials and related food service supplies utilizing current recipes and menus.  
• Identify permissible substitutions for food, beverages, packaging materials and related food service supplies when selected primary products are unavailable from manufacturers and/or distributors to ensure select products meet program requirements for nutritional content as well as fit within current allowable food cost levels. 
• Maintain perpetual and periodic inventory; track usage, perishable/best by/expiration dates and inventory of food, beverages, packaging materials and related food service supplies and make necessary adjustments.
• Schedule distribution of food, beverages, packaging materials and related food service supplies to school kitchens.
• Develop and maintain contracts, logs, files and records relating to requisitions, purchase orders, inventory, vendors and other procurement related activities; prepare reports as needed; enter and retrieve data using a computer; maintain catalogs of products utilized by the Nutrition Services department.
• Coordinate procurement and inventory activities with the receiving and warehouse staff; participate in inventory activities.
• Review and analyze inventory records to determine quantities to purchase; identify overstocked and under stocked items; identify obsolete and discontinued items and determine whether or not substitutions or replacements are needed by utilizing current menus. 
• Communicate with vendors and District staff to exchange information, resolve discrepancies, correct errors and clarify issues related to purchase orders, invoices, statements, deliveries and payment; clarify shipping and payment details; trace shipments and expedite deliveries as needed.
• Communicate with appropriate Nutrition Services and Warehouse staff to determine food, beverages, packaging materials and related food service supplies needs and advise them of current product inventory and/or availability. 
• Perform food cost accounting; investigate and correct invoice discrepancies.
• Collaborate with the District procurement office to ensure all necessary services with vendors and other service providers are completed timely.
• Support the office of procurement in preparation and processing of bid specifications and contracts; review bids, requests for proposals and price quotes; provide feedback on and track purchases up to authorized dollar limits and specifications; evaluate and analyze according to established criteria necessary for activities specific to Nutrition Services; maintain departmental records of bid events, provide chronological activities and verify vendor compliance with bid requirements and restrictions to Procurement; participate in Procurement’s process in order to make recommendations for contract awards, prepare written reports as required; support the preparation of Board agenda items for purchases as required.
• Supply data and research to Procurement specific to Nutrition Services including potential vendors to receive proposals for price, quality and timeliness of delivery; communicate with and interview vendors regarding merchandise; update and maintain vendor lists and files.
• Read, write and interpret contractual terms and conditions in order to support vendor evaluations on performance of duties.
• Negotiate price, product specifications, conditions of delivery and other related issues as necessary or appropriate for existing contracts and ensure appropriate outcomes for the Nutrition Services operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies.
• Award contracts to vendors based on successful bid and compliance with the District’s procurement policies, procedures, standards and needs.
• Attend meetings and conduct and participate in a variety of professional development sessions.
• Uses personal vehicle for travel to sites where attendance is required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.