Chowbus is a fast growing, well-funded food startup headquartered in Chicago on a mission to help diners to discover new and exquisite dishes, and to give traditional mom and pop restaurants a fighting chance to succeed without compromising who they truly are. By building a super app, our goal is to be the one stop shop for everything related to food. 

Job Description

Chowbus is a fast growing, well-funded food startup headquartered in Chicago on a mission to help diners to discover new and exquisite dishes, and to give traditional mom and pop restaurants a fighting chance to succeed without compromising who they truly are. By building a super app, our goal is to be the one stop shop for everything related to food. 

About The Role

As the Procurement Manager for Groceries of Chowbus, you will have the unique opportunity to play the pivotal Buyer role in the expansion of one of Chowbus’ newest business sectors: Grocery Delivery. This is a critical role as it interfaces with Chowbus grocery partners to optimize the procurement process. This operations-driven role calls for a rare combination of creative problem solving, detail orientation, and interpersonal ability to manage partnerships.

This is a rigorous business side role in a high growth environment, and you will work with the Chowbus Chicago operations teams along with headquarters-based engineering, product, and marketing teams. This role will have responsibility for the growth of the Chowbus business and meaningful ownership over the grocery leg of the marketplace.

What You’ll Do

• Execute the strategic sourcing process including market and industry analysis, supplier research and review, analysis, negotiations, contracting and implementation
• Ensure that the grocery segment is aligned to the business' long-term strategy for innovation and growth
• Hold suppliers accountable for all critical service KPIs
• Establish trust and build effective business relationships with vendors for short and long-term partnership
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers ensuring the most optimal terms and conditions while never compromising service or quality
• Conduct monthly business reviews and ensure that monthly service targets are achieved
• Deliver specific productivity and cash flow targets in alignment with overarching goals and objectives, with a focus on total cost of ownership
• Analyze, calculate and monitor inventory levels on all products.
• Place purchase orders based on replenishment needs.
• Develop and maintain good vendor relations.
• Resolve problems, reconcile vendor returns and expedite order deliveries

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's Degree. Advanced degree is a plus
• Experience proven success in a similar role - leading operations/logistics, leading diverse teams, developing procedures, optimizing systems, and achieving benchmark operational goals
• Must be fluent in Chinese
• Analytical Thinking. Data-driven mentality and strong business judgment. Able to roll up your sleeves and analyze the data and pull key insights for your team
• Strong interpersonal skills. Able to build and manage strong relationships with their team, cross-functional colleagues, and external partners
• Entrepreneurship mentality. Must be a self-starter and leader that assumes the risks and rewards of running an innovative sustainable operation
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills. Able to communicate and listen effectively; great written, verbal and presentation skills
• Leadership by example. Able to motivate, inspire and create an inclusive and positive work environment for all
• A passion for the e-mobility space, Chowbus, and growing and leading a team. Passionate about the overall goals of sustainable transportation
• Restaurant related business experience is a plus