Merchandiser

About the Role

This position is responsible for procurement functions associated with the company’s product inventory needs. Items must be purchased within company cost and quality parameters and delivered at competitive levels consistent with company policy and performance standards, including timely scheduling of pick-up and receipt of products. Continual interaction with Sales and Suppliers is required.

Responsibilities

• Review the daily guide and place purchase orders (POs) as needed, ensuring accuracy in amount, freight, price, and dates consistent with company policy.
• Work with finance and vendors on payment requirements.
• Review and act on daily reports to maintain proper inventory levels using system-generated reports and internal department information (e.g., Out of Stock and Over-allocated Reports).
• Confirm all POs for accurate pricing, quantity, freight, and dates.
• Manage inventory using weekly reports and meetings to optimize levels, reduce dated product, and handle returns. Coordinate with inland logistics for on-time deliveries.
• Maintain and update item and vendor information in the system, including pricing, freight, brackets, and ship points.
• Communicate daily with the Sales team.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 2 years of purchasing or food distribution experience required; foodservice distribution experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• AS400 experience preferred.

Decision-Making Authority

• Daily Procurement Decisions: Determine which items and quantities to purchase daily.
• Supplier Decisions: Select vendors for product purchases.
• Inventory Management Decisions: Oversee product movement and shelf-life management.
• Price Negotiations: Occasional negotiations with vendors.

Most important decisions require review and approval by a Supervisor or VP of Merchandising, including:

• Expediting or changing source vendors.
• Accounting variances.