Grocery Buyer and Manager

Full time | Reports to: Co Manager

Core Values

• Helpful: We share the instinct to help our customers, clients, and each other. Our community values our willingness to provide an experience that makes a difference.
• Curious: We ask bold questions, exploring new ideas, and challenging the status quo. We create space to try, learn, and adapt to be stronger together.
• Beyond Self: We act with purpose that transcends personal ambition. Our work is rooted in service beyond our self-interest. We create impact together.
• Bold Integrity: We are honest and accountable with each other and the people we serve; we are not afraid to do the right thing to ensure we're accomplishing our goals of stronger, healthier communities.
• Desire and Passion for the Mission: We strive to make a difference in people's lives. We bring heart, energy, and purpose in everything we do. Our mission is not just what we do but why we show up every day.

Summary

The primary role of the Grocery Buyer and Manager is to serve as the head of the grocery department, overseeing ordering, deliveries, and inventory, and managing a team of grocery employees. Department supervision requires a manager to be a strong advocate for his or her department, often beyond the responsibilities explicitly stated below. This includes equipment and fixtures, opportunities, discrepancies, and procedures; and working with GFG management to improve the overall business.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere to and enforce GFG and Commonwealth Autism policies and procedures.
• Monitor work email during business hours for timely responses.
• Support GFG's goals and community involvement.
• Communicate project needs and priorities clearly before the end of each [day].
• Foster a respectful and productive work environment, setting a positive example for the team.
• Ensure all duties are covered during absences and proactively suggest improvements.
• Work toward leadership growth and contribute to the overall success of the company.
• Maintain department merchandising standards, including endcaps, seasonal displays, and identifying cross-merchandising opportunities while giving meaningful input.
• Ensure accurate signage and displays, including promotional demos.
• Become proficient in inventory systems and Excel to pull reports, analyze data and program items & sales.
• Manage large store deliveries, including preparing the store, vendor and supporting team communication, overseeing breakdown of delivery, and managing a team of stockers.
• Serve as Manager on Duty as needed.

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Conduct regular inventory checks to ensure stock levels meet demand.
• Assist in effective waste reduction and rotation practices.
• Order and oversee ordering of grocery department products.
• Adjust product mix and order based on sales data and customer feedback.
• Prepare for special events and promotions with timely inventory planning.
• Ensure accurate inventory records and timely order placement to avoid overstocking or understocking.

Budget Management

• Monitor department budget, focusing on achieving sales and profit goals.
• Implement cost-control measures and address invoice discrepancies.
• Ensure timely updates to Co Manager and Chief Retail Officer on new & discontinued items and price changes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for staff and customer concerns during assigned shifts.
• Supervise and direct other buyers in the grocery department.
• Provide guidance and direction to ensure daily operations standards are upheld.
• Address urgent issues such as customer service challenges, staffing needs, or operational disruptions.
• Ensure all staff members follow company policies, safety procedures, and food handling standards.
• Communicate significant incidents or concerns to upper management promptly.
• Lead by example in providing exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
• Oversee employee performance and provide on-the-spot coaching or corrective feedback as needed.
• Maintain store security, including proper handling of store keys, alarm systems, and opening/closing protocols.
• Assist staff with daily tasks and provide operational support during busy times.
• Ensure adequate coverage for breaks and high-traffic periods.
• Encourage teamwork and clear communication between departments.
• Promote a safe, positive, and customer-focused work environment across all shifts.
• Support Commonwealth Autism initiatives, including supporting interns and graduates working in the store.
• Assist in new team member and intern training.

Qualifications

• Previous retail or grocery experience required.
• Ordering or inventory management experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Basic technical proficiency required, including comfort using spreadsheets and inventory management systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Dependable and punctual, with flexibility to work various shifts.

Competencies

• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Initiative – Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods, as much as 8 hrs. a day with breaks.
• Ability to lift, stand, or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use a ladder.
• Ability to read at 20/20 vision natural or corrected to be able to read small, detailed labels, computer screens, and POS directions.
• Manual dexterity to operate a cash register and handle items.

Pay

$20.00 to $22.00 per hour.