Senior Buyer - Food Service - IL- Chicago

IMMEDIATE permanent/direct hire opening for a Senior Food Service Buyer in Illinois with our large, nationwide, retail client.

Position title: Senior Buyer - Food Service

Location: IL (Chicago area)

Relocation offered?: Yes, possibly

Salary?: Commensurate with prior experience; general range is typically in the 80 s + significant bonus but candidates with extensive prior experience whose qualifications are outside of that range may still be considered

Overview of responsibilities:

Buyers are responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned lines. Works closely with the Director of Purchasing to achieve the goals of the company. Provides supply chain/inventory management for promotionally active categories and corresponding financial accountabilities. Procures product in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the company. Key Responsibilities include, Obtain best possible product costs, quality and service at all times. Ensure that established policies and procedures are understood and adhered to. Strive to obtain inventory and turn goals, while maintaining service level and minimizing distress. Interface with other departments and division personnel to accomplish job functions. Develop and maintain good working relationships with vendors, store operations, distribution center and division office personnel. Review acquisition costs to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need. Assess current inventory, market conditions, availability, and promotional impact to forecast order quantities and make recommendations to the merchandising team. Conduct post-promotional reviews and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and develop solutions for problem areas Review and resolve inventory issues at store level as a result of allocations or order issues. Review and analyze daily and weekly reports to monitor costs, quality, service level, inventory turns, and distress and make adjustments as needed. Visit stores, as needed, to monitor programs, obtain store feedback and to assess overall implementation effectiveness. Manage Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure correct prices have been invoiced. Resolve store billing questions by researching discrepancies submitted at store level with Store Billing and entering credits where appropriate or providing resolution. Maintain all necessary department files and records. Coordinate with Warehouse Operations to maintain the proper product flow through the facility, in a timely manner. Remote access (buying system) from home or off site location when necessary. Qualifications: Minimum of 5 plus years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience in industry or retail: FoodService Marketing/Logistics experience preferred or strong understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices. Understanding of FoodService procurement, logistics, inventory management, marketing, accounting and financial management practices. Excellent organizational and analytical skills; ability to take initiative and make fact based decisions. Ability to plan and organize effectively. Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships both internally and externally. Strong computer aptitude in MS-Office including Word, Excel and Access. Ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions...

Education: Bachelor's preferred (will consider without if extensive relevant experience)

Required experience:

Buying: 5 years FoodService products (including canned food items (canned tomatoes, etc); boxed food item / dry grocery items, etc.

Need large volume buying experience

Person will not just be responsible for replenishment buying; this person will be responsible for negotiating pricing, selecting vendors for group, etc.

Cannot be easily intimidated & should be ambitious.

This is a growing company with future growth possibilities; great career move!!!!

***If you match the above requirements and are interested in hearing further details about this position to determine interest level and fit; reply with your resume and contact info & you will be contacted for further discussion***

Associated topics: assistant general manager, back end, conference, management, manager, operations manager, partner, restaurant general manager, restaurant operations, supervisor