Center of the Plate Buyer

Position Summary

Cooking Center of the Plate Buyer is a Senior Buyer level position specializing in procurement of proteins. The COP Buyer will focus on beef and pork. Experience with any fresh protein will transfer. Minimum of 2 years of buying experience required. Must be experienced in working with a sense of urgency & consistent attention to detail. This position will coordinate and identify suppliers of product, negotiate price and quantity terms and establish long-term contracts to ensure adequate supply of high quality products for Foodservice Distribution at competitive prices. Maintain established service levels for product in-stock. Assist with special order requests. May assist with training. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.

Position Responsibilities

• Select vendors based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of product; overall service level; responsiveness to the market as shown through product innovation; quality and value of product; relationships with competitors; and their understanding of the marketplace.
• Maintain relationships with vendors by resolving problems with invoicing, product, or delivery to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships.
• Select product based upon application to our market, product performance, alternate sources of supply, and overall reputation of vendor.
• Negotiate prices and quantities ordered based upon customer orders, economic order point (volume discount vs. efficient utilization of warehousing space), promotion of product, and overall market conditions.
• Negotiate long-term contracts based upon same considerations and need for continuous supply.
• Service distribution centers for emergency situations through obtaining product and delivery on an expedient basis.
• Provides product and pricing information to sales force and make recommendations regarding pricing structure for product lines based upon volume and margin considerations.

Required Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or Equivalent
• 2-4 years Procurement, warehouse and / or administrative experience in related area