Service Associate - Procurement (Food Buyer)

Job Description

The Service Associate – Procurement (Food Buyer) supports the hotel’s purchasing function by sourcing food products, obtaining quotations, comparing prices, negotiating with suppliers, preparing purchase orders, and coordinating timely deliveries. The role typically requires a diploma or degree in purchasing, supply chain, hospitality, business, or a related field, along with experience in hotel procurement, food buying, or inventory control. Candidates should understand food quality standards, supplier management, costing, and basic purchasing systems. Strong communication, negotiation, organization, numerical, and computer skills are expected. The successful candidate should be detail-oriented, ethical, responsive, and able to work closely with the kitchen, receiving, finance, and food-and-beverage teams.

Company Info

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is a Hong Kong-based luxury hospitality group operating hotels, resorts, and residences across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other international markets. The company is known for personalized service, refined accommodation, extensive dining facilities, and resort experiences. In the Philippines, Shangri-La operates established properties in destinations such as Manila, Cebu, and Boracay, employing teams across rooms, food and beverage, culinary, engineering, finance, and commercial functions. Its procurement teams help maintain consistent product quality and cost control by working with approved suppliers and coordinating closely with hotel departments. Employees are generally expected to demonstrate professionalism, cultural awareness, guest-service values, teamwork, and commitment to Shangri-La’s quality standards.

Destination Guide

The Philippines is an archipelago with major employment centers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Hospitality opportunities are strongest in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, and other resort destinations, particularly in hotels, restaurants, tourism, procurement, and guest services. Filipino culture values warmth, respect, family, community, and hospitality, while English is widely used in workplaces. Lifestyle varies from busy urban living to relaxed coastal communities; living costs are usually lower outside Manila, though resort islands can be expensive during peak seasons. Foreign employees generally need an employer-sponsored work permit and appropriate visa, commonly involving Department of Labor and Employment authorization and immigration approval. Employers often assist with documentation, but candidates should confirm requirements before relocating. New arrivals should budget for housing, transport, healthcare, utilities, and seasonal travel disruptions.