Buyer II - Fresh

About the role

This Buyer is responsible for all cost negotiation, price & capacity discovery, and overall inventory management of assigned categories. This includes direct accountability for cost of goods to ensure overall financial goals are being met, manage service levels objectives to ensure timely delivery of products to the stores, and maximize inventory turns to optimize our working capital. This position must also maintain a strong working relationship with category management teams to ensure optimal supply chain execution of the commercial plan.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the management of the procurement function to include cost negotiation, price & capacity discovery, product sourcing, purchase order creation, product flow path determination including internal distribution and Direct Store Delivery (DSD).
• This position will work directly with the category management and sourcing teams in the negotiation activities of contracts, supplier agreements, and long-term deals, while managing overall targeted inventory levels.
• This role will be directly accountable for delivering top quality products (per the product specifications) to our stores at the best net landed cost.
• Establish and maintain an integrated process with category management teams to ensure that tactical and strategic objectives are being executed as it relates to procurement relative to the commercial plan.
• Maintain a keen awareness and knowledge base of global and local markets conditions. Provide daily and weekly updates to supply chain, quality assurance and category management teams so strategic decisions can be made relative to the commercial plan.
• Determine and execute promotional buys to support brand-specific promotional plans. This will include procurement of advertised items and/or any special event that will create incremental demand in the supply chain.
• Seek opportunity buys to drive incremental sales and margin improvements by working with the supplier community. This will also require working with the category management teams to determine brand specific product placement and feasibility if outside of regular demand patterns.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with our vendor community to ensure unbiased treatment during unfavorable market conditions. This will ensure Stop & Shop will receive equitable distribution of products in unyielding market conditions.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; Commodity buying experience within Produce is required
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience
• Produce experience required
• Experience managing multiple vendors across multiple commodities
• Cost negotiation experience
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Inventory management experience
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written

Qualifications

• Highly motivated, independent performer, and able to set own priorities in concert with overall company goals and strategy

Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of commodity buying principles and practices
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• Culture committed to celebrating diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Associate discounts
• Team of associates dedicated to serving our local customers and supporting our communities
• Flexible, hybrid work environment with three days a week at our Quincy Corporate office and the remaining days working remotely

Pay

The salary range for this position is $106,480-$159,720 and will be commensurate with background, experience as well as internal equity.

Schedule

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