Italian Sourcing Associate

Job Summary La Villa is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Italian Sourcing Associate to support ingredient sourcing, supplier research, purchasing coordination, and product quality evaluation for restaurant operations. This role helps identify dependable suppliers for Italian food ingredients, specialty products, fresh produce, and kitchen supplies while supporting cost-effective purchasing and consistent product availability. The ideal candidate has strong research, communication, and organizational skills, along with an interest in Italian cuisine and food service operations. The successful applicant will work closely with procurement personnel, kitchen staff, and restaurant management to help maintain reliable sourcing practices. Key Responsibilities Research and identify potential suppliers of Italian ingredients, specialty foods, fresh produce, cheeses, pasta, olive oil, sauces, and other restaurant supplies. Gather supplier information, product specifications, pricing details, and delivery terms for review. Assist with comparing supplier quotations and evaluating product quality, availability, and overall value. Communicate with suppliers to request product samples, catalogs, quotations, and purchasing information. Coordinate with chefs and kitchen managers to understand ingredient requirements and quality standards. Maintain organized records of supplier contacts, product specifications, sourcing options, and price comparisons. Support procurement staff with supplier onboarding documentation and purchasing requests. Monitor ingredient availability, seasonal sourcing opportunities, and changes in supplier pricing. Help identify alternative suppliers when products are unavailable or delivery schedules change. Assist with reviewing product samples and gathering feedback from kitchen personnel. Coordinate with inventory and purchasing teams to support timely replenishment of ingredients and supplies. Follow established sourcing procedures and applicable food safety and product traceability requirements. Track supplier responses and follow up on outstanding quotations or sourcing requests. Prepare sourcing summaries and reports to support purchasing decisions. Recommend opportunities to improve supplier selection, product availability, and sourcing efficiency. Qualifications and Requirements Previous experience in sourcing, purchasing, procurement assistance, supply chain coordination, or food service is preferred. Interest in Italian cuisine, specialty ingredients, and restaurant supply operations. Strong research, communication, and organizational skills. Excellent attention to detail when reviewing product information and supplier quotations. Basic proficiency with spreadsheets, email, and digital recordkeeping tools. Ability to compare prices, specifications, delivery terms, and product availability. Strong interpersonal skills for communicating with suppliers and internal teams. Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple sourcing requests. Understanding of food quality, freshness, and safe ingredient handling is an advantage. Ability to work collaboratively with procurement staff, chefs, and restaurant management. Preferred Skills Familiarity with Italian food products, including cheeses, cured meats, pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Experience researching food distributors, specialty suppliers, or wholesale vendors. Basic knowledge of purchasing documentation and supplier evaluation. Ability to identify cost-effective sourcing options without compromising quality. Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills. Interest in sustainable sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and supplier relationship development. Work Environment The Italian Sourcing Associate works in a restaurant procurement and administrative environment, collaborating with purchasing staff, chefs, suppliers, and management. Duties primarily involve supplier research, product comparisons, documentation, and communication, with oc…

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