**Description** We are looking to add a talented, ambitious, and results-oriented individual to our team as the **Director of Import Procurement** . As the Director of Import Procurement, you will oversee, supervise, and lead the import procurement team for Bunzl’s Distribution Division. This critical role will be responsible for leading a team and managing the global procurement activities across the division, ensuring the timely, accurate, and efficient acquisition of products while maintaining high standards of inventory level management. This leader will focus on ensuring inventory levels align with customer demand, improving supply chain efficiency, and optimizing service levels. This individual will have the opportunity to facilitate sustained improvement and operational efficiencies throughout the organization. This position is a strategic role within our Procurement leadership team and plays a critical role in delivering against our cost, service, and quality improvement goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, vendor negotiations, and team leadership in a distribution environment. **This position can be based at any Distribution Division location.** **_Responsibilities:_** + Supervise buyers who place purchase orders with approved foreign suppliers based on system generated reports, MRP evaluation, and critical thinking skills that meets the designated inventory plan. Includes data entry, sending/confirmation of purchase orders, and diligent follow-up as needed. + Develop and implement inventory strategies with forecasted demand to optimize inventory levels across multiple distribution centers, minimizing excess stock and stockouts. + Communicate with current overseas vendors and internal buying office to manage purchase orders, meet delivery timeliness, and overall service levels each vendor provides. + Expedite orders, container shipments, backorders and resolves vendor/internal errors. + Maintain accurate electronic data files for all active items, vendor codes, specifically quotations, purchase orders, standard/landed costs, delivery lead-times, etc. + Drive supplier OTD (On Time Delivery) by relentlessly follow-up with vendors and transportation department. + Responsible for data integrity of products within the company system to evaluate material requirements for internal distribution/manufacturing consumption as well as external customer orders. + Communicate effectively with internal purchasing and related company personnel on the status of supplier lead-times, schedule delays, customer expedites or cancellations, and international freight concerns. Provide updated container ship dates and communication to the appropriate personnel. + Work alongside internal staff (Category Management, Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Accounting) to optimize purchasing efforts, new product launches, and changes in product life cycles to maximize customer satisfaction + Develop and present regular reports on inventory performance, inventory levels, and key performance metrics + Foster a high-performance team environment by mentoring and developing team members + Drive continuous improvement within the team; ensuring best practices are followed + Lead initiatives to streamline procurement processes, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance supplier relationships + Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement long-term strategies that support business growth and objectives + Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and relevant legal requirements + Serve as a leader and a member of Bunzl’s ONE TEAM. **_Requirements:_** + Bachelor’s degree preferred + 5+ years’ experience in purchasing, preferably in the distribution environment + 2+ years’ progressive responsibility in international procurement preferred + Proven success leading teams in-person and remote + International experience/knowledge specific to the Pacific Far East/Asian markets a must + International transportation exposure is required + Awareness of cultural differences globally + AS400 and JDA/Blue Yonder experience highly valued + Demand Planning experience highly valued + Must have a high level of verbal and written communication skills. + Must possess strong planning, analytical problem-solving, organizational and time management skills + Excellent project management, organizational and planning skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks, projects and meet deadlines + Outstanding attention to detail, flexibility and creativity + Persistence coupled with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization + Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment, work with minimal supervision and maintain confidentiality of shared information and/or assignments + Ability to travel with overnight stays, as needed + A strong ability to create a partnership atmosphere with internal and external resources while achieving key operating objectives. + A strong relationship builder who is able to foster excellent relationships and gain credibility quickly across all levels of the organization. + Demonstrated ability leading through influence. The ability to develop and drive recommendation through the organization. + Excellent math skills and overall PC literacy (Microsoft Office and previous ERP/MRP system experience) are required + Ability to simplify large, complex problems with multiple data sources & techniques to reveal data-driven insights & actionable solutions that drive business results **So, what are you waiting for? A new career awaits you with endless opportunities.** Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non-Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to sales in excess of $10 billion. Bunzl North America is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Bunzl North America owns and operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 5,000 employees and 400,000 plus supplies, Bunzl is regarded as a leading supplier in North America. _Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company_ _match._ _Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law._ Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.