Produce Buyer Lubbock Texas - Full-time / Part-time

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned product lines across categories such as Grocery, Frozen Grocery, Dairy & Refrigerated, Grocery Non Food, Liquor and Bakery. The Buyer works closely with Sales Managers to achieve the goals of the company. Provides supply chain/inventory management for a limited promotionally active grocery desk and corresponding financial accountabilities. Procures product in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the company.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Reviews all product costs and marketing plan to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need in order to meet marketing plan.
• Work to obtain inventory and turn goals on assigned buying desk.
• Conducts post-promotional reviews and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and if there were problem areas, develops solutions.
• Interface with other departments and division personnel to accomplish job functions. Develop and maintain good working relationships with brokers, vendors, store operations, distribution center and division office personnel.
• Conducts logistics planning processes while ordering products to attain the best net product price possible.
• Reviews and resolves pre-books/allocations/scan based issues received from stores or division personnel.
• Reviews and analyzes daily and weekly reports to check service levels and inventory turns, makes adjustments as needed.
• Visits stores, as needed, to monitor programs, obtain store feedback and to assess overall implementation effectiveness as needed.
• Approves Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure correct prices have been invoiced.
• Resolves store billing questions by interfacing with distribution and store associates.
• Resolves store distribution issues by acting as a liaison with the Transportation department and store associates.
• Maintains all necessary department files and records.
• Coordinates with Warehouse Operations to maintain the proper product flow through the facility, in a timely manner.
• Develop and mentor members of buying team.
• Remote access to buying system from home or off site location when necessary.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Education Level:

• Degree in Business, Marketing or related field or relevant experience of marketing, accounting and financial management practices preferred.

Experience Level:

• Minimum of 2+ years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience in the retail industry.

Skills and Experiences:

• Working knowledge of procurement, logistics and inventory management practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, experience in taking initiative and making appropriate decisions.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the company as well as mentor assigned buyers.
• Proficiency in PC systems required, including ability to utilize spreadsheets, macros and supply chain systems.
• Must have the ability to represent the Company’s interests in negotiations with outside professionals and suppliers
• Ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

• Some work to be performed in a temperature-controlled environment (perishable and frozen warehouses).
• Bending, stooping and twisting required periodically.
• Spends long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
• Uses calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Workday is fast paced, some evening and weekend work may be required.

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