Area Manager, Food & Beverage Purchasing

Torrance, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $70,304.00 - $80,000.00

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Paid holidays

Career Development

Job Description

Knott's Berry Farm is a renowned theme park and entertainment destination located in Buena Park, California. As one of the oldest theme parks in the United States, it offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, family attractions, live entertainment, and a rich historical experience for millions of visitors annually. The park is celebrated not only for its exciting amusement rides but also for its diverse food and beverage offerings, making it a vibrant hub for guests seeking quality dining experiences while enjoying the park's attractions. The management team at Knott's Berry Farm is dedicated to maintaining high standards of customer service, operational excellence, and sustainability while providing a fun and safe environment for all guests and staff. With a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Knott's Berry Farm embraces challenges and opportunities that support both guest satisfaction and business growth.\n\nThe role of Area Manager, Food & Beverage Purchasing at Knott's Berry Farm is a crucial leadership position responsible for overseeing all procurement activities within the Food & Beverage division. This role requires a strategic thinker with a solid background in purchasing and supply chain management, coupled with strong leadership skills to effectively manage warehouse operations, inventory control, and vendor relationships. The Area Manager will be responsible for forecasting demand, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with company policies. They will lead a dedicated team responsible for receiving, distribution, and storage processes, guaranteeing that the division operates efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to handling vendor payables and billing reconciliation, the role supports the procurement lifecycle from new account setup to competitive bidding for projects, aligning purchasing activities with business goals.\n\nReporting directly to senior management, the Area Manager plays a key role in communicating updates across internal divisions and vendors, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout procurement processes. This role demands proficiency in financial oversight to maintain operating budgets, review inventory metrics, and lead initiatives to improve inventory turnover rates. The position requires hands-on involvement in monthly inventory audits, damage resolution, and adherence to safety and EEO policies, reinforcing the park's commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. The preferred candidate will have at least 6 to 8 years of relevant purchasing experience, including leadership roles, with knowledge of software like JD Edwards, Food Trak, and Maintenance Connection. The salary for this full-time role ranges from $70,304 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The Area Manager is expected to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate. This is a rewarding opportunity for a purchasing professional eager to contribute to one of the most iconic entertainment venues in the country, combining operational acumen with leadership and negotiation skills to enhance Knott's Berry Farm’s food and beverage procurement efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred
6-8 years of purchasing experience preferred
1-3 years of leadership experience
knowledge of JD Edwards software
knowledge of Food Trak software
knowledge of Maintenance Connection software
ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
ability to pass random drug tests
ability to pass background check
valid driver's license preferred

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in business preferred
certified purchasing manager certificate preferred
6-8 years of relevant purchasing experience preferred
1-3 years of supervisory or leadership experience
knowledge of JD Edwards, Food Trak, and Maintenance Connection software
ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
excellent negotiation skills
strong written and verbal communication
good organizational skills
experience with Microsoft Office and purchasing software
valid driver's license preferred

Job Duties

Purchase order adherence
budget management
pricing update communication
utilization of preferred suppliers and manufacturers
assist in new account set-up
review invoice and billing discrepancies with vendors and accounts payable
make recommendations to management on emergency purchases and support competitive bids
assist procurement of warehouse inventories and requisitioned products to achieve cost savings and value
ensure department operates within budgets
lead departmental staff meetings and communicate department goals and status
communicate workload and special projects to staff
collaborate with finance on pay terms and contract adherence
review and reconcile late invoice payment reports
maintain adequate product inventories
resolve product damages and discrepancies with vendors
lead efforts to improve inventory turnover rates
manage month-end financial reporting
review inventory levels and plan risk management
maintain staffing levels and hours worked
develop, coach, and motivate staff
enforce park policies including safety, attendance, and equal employment opportunity
provide procurement updates to internal and external divisions
participate in non-purchasing projects to meet critical needs