Director of Purchasing

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.

At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

About the Role

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Okinawa is looking for a Director of Purchasing.

As the Director of Purchasing, you will lead the overall procurement, receiving, and storeroom operations for the pre-opening and ongoing operations of Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Okinawa. This role is responsible for establishing purchasing systems, sourcing strategies, supplier partnerships, inventory controls, and operational procedures that support the successful launch and long-term success of the resort.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with strong commercial acumen, extensive hospitality procurement experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional quality while maximizing value. During the pre-opening phase, you will play a critical role in sourcing operating supplies and equipment (OS&E), negotiating contracts, establishing supplier networks, and implementing Four Seasons purchasing standards and systems.

What you will do

Leadership & General Management

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing Purchasing, Receiving, and Storeroom team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Actively coach, mentor, and support the professional development of team members while promoting Four Seasons values and culture.
• Establish department goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards in alignment with Four Seasons guidelines.
• Participate actively in employee engagement, recognition, and team-building initiatives.
• Promote collaboration and effective communication across all hotel departments.
• Demonstrate a commitment to exceptional service and embody the Four Seasons Golden Rule in all interactions.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and purchasing plans while ensuring efficient cost management.
• Support the resort's sustainability initiatives through responsible sourcing and vendor partnerships.

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

• Lead and support all procurement activities related to the pre-opening of the resort, including FF&E, OS&E, food & beverage supplies, and operational equipment.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with project timelines and budget requirements.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local, regional, and international suppliers.
• Partner with project teams, consultants, and department heads to ensure timely procurement and delivery of pre-opening materials.
• Support opening readiness by ensuring adequate inventory levels and operational supplies are in place before launch.
• Implement Four Seasons purchasing systems, procedures, and controls prior to opening.

Purchasing & Supply Chain Management

• Ensure strict compliance with Four Seasons purchasing policies and approval processes.
• Develop sourcing strategies that balance quality, value, reliability, and service standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage to secure the highest quality products at competitive pricing.
• Review and approve purchase requests, purchase orders, and contracts in accordance with authorization guidelines.
• Negotiate pricing agreements, payment terms, service levels, and strategic partnerships with suppliers.
• Continuously identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or guest experience.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain an approved vendor program.

Receiving, Inventory & Cost Control

• Ensure proper receiving, documentation, and distribution of all goods according to Four Seasons policies and procedures.
• Oversee inventory management practices, including inventory controls, stock rotation, storage standards, and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure timely completion of monthly inventory counts and reconciliation processes.
• Analyze inventory variances, purchasing trends, and cost performance to identify risks and opportunities.
• Partner closely with Finance to monitor food, beverage, and operating supply costs against budget.
• Ensure all invoices are properly matched, approved, and processed according to company requirements.
• Maintain strong internal controls and audit compliance across purchasing and receiving operations.

Systems & Compliance

• Lead the administration and optimization of BirchStreet and other procurement systems.
• Ensure accurate purchasing data, supplier information, and inventory records are maintained.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to purchasing, receiving, and storeroom procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Four Seasons standards, local regulations, food safety requirements, and ethical sourcing practices.

What you will bring

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive purchasing and materials management experience within luxury hotels, resorts, or hospitality organizations, including experience in a leadership role.
• Previous pre-opening experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of hospitality procurement, inventory management, vendor negotiations, and cost control practices.
• Established knowledge of the Japanese supplier market and hospitality procurement landscape.
• Experience managing FF&E and OS&E procurement for hotel openings or major renovations is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, develop, and motivate high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with BirchStreet Procurement System is required.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent Japanese and English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced pre-opening environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines.

What we offer

• Competitive Salary, wages, and a comprehensive benefits package
• Excellent Training and Development opportunities
• Complimentary Accommodation at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resort
• 50％F&B outlet discount for other Four Seasons Hotel in Japan.
• Complimentary Dry Cleaning for Employee Uniforms or Business Attire
• Complimentary Employee Meals
• Social insurance
• Define contribution benefit
• Yearly health checks up

Schedule & Hours

• This is a full-time position.
• 40 working hours per week.
• 10 days off every month except February (9 days)

* Successful candidates must possess legal work authorization for Japan.

Please note that due to the large number of responses we receive, only candidates being considered for the above position will be contacted for an interview.