This role is responsible for overseeing fresh procurement and buying for assigned distribution center(s) to achieve the overall goals in inventory management, freshness standards and service levels, working with suppliers/vendors and distribution center teams. This role is responsible to work in partnership with Category Managers to negotiate cost of goods with vendors and purchases products/merchandise from established vendors to be sold at Company retail locations and to independent customers. 

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• Responsible for the total assigned fresh category (meat/seafood, produce, bakery/deli) procurement and buying for assigned distribution center(s).  

• Implement the fresh procurement strategy and solicit feedback from the field on customer relationships, industry trends and strategy implementation to recommend new products, quality and grades of fresh products.  

• Negotiate cost of goods with vendors to ensure profitability within fresh category procurement; procure products based on necessary quantities and, depending on assigned area, select vendors to maximize sales, minimize out of stocks and/or maximize product quality through the manufacturing process.  

• Work with management to achieve the overall goals in inventory management, freshness standards and service levels, and to drive company goals and initiatives, sales, gross margins, inventory fill rate, internal and external customer relationships and marketing efforts to achieve maximum sales and profit. Facilitate resolution of product supply issues with vendor, warehouses and/or retail locations.  

• May assist with the return of incorrect deliveries/products and provide vendors with necessary information for credit/exchange as required. Ensure delivery of goods as scheduled; contact vendors to finalize purchase order transactions, expedite orders as required, resolve discrepancies and/or follow up as needed.  

• Responsible for item maintenance and accurate documentation within the purchasing system and department records.  

• Develop and maintain working relationships with cross-functional business partners (i.e., Merchandising, Distribution, Retail, Manufacturing, etc.) and external vendors/suppliers.  

• Partner cross-functionally to optimize transportation efficiencies, ad planning, merchandising, sales planning and/or manufacturing.  

• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best Procurement/Merchandising practices; make recommendations to improve current programs and processes.  

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Degree in Supply Chain Management,  Business Administration, or related area. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered. 

• Two years experience in procurement, retail, wholesale fresh buying or related area.  

• Experience in a grocery, wholesale, food manufacturing or food industry environment preferred.  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  

• Strong organization, attention to detail, prioritization and time management skills.  

• Strong negotiation, financial acumen, analytical and decision-making skills.  

• Demonstrated success working with cross-functional areas in multiple locations, gaining cooperation and support from other functional areas.  

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  

• Working knowledge of purchasing systems.  

• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.