Job Overview:

Accountable for product quality, profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned lines with multiple commodities across various growing regions.  Works closely with Category Managers, Corporate Merchandising, Banner Merchants, and Region Personnel to achieve business goals, based on agreed upon strategies, grower/supplier relationships and contracts.  Inspects a variety of commodities based on geography and/or commodities while providing proper communication updating business units of market conditions and recommendations.  Provides supply chain/inventory management for a limited promotionally active grocery desk and corresponding financial accountabilities. Build relationships with growers, driving innovation while identifying and negotiating spot buy opportunities. Buys in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the Company, category manager(s), and distribution. 

Job Responsibilities:

·       Reviews acquisition costs to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of   quality, reliability of source and urgency of need.

·       Negotiates and secures ad lids with select commodities while revisiting quotes until desired costs are met.

·       Assists procurement buyers with PO placement, purchases orders, claims and rejections on a select basis.

·       Uses total demand when applicable to leverage costs and efficiencies.

·       Assesses current inventory to determine order quantity.

·       Completes forward buy research, analysis and makes recommendations to category manager.

·       Completes purchase order input based on review of stock status report and safety stock levels.

·       Works within the guidelines of product specifications but also identifies potential opportunities that might be outside of current business unit’s specifications.

·       Writes detailed seasonal commodity action plans to procure excellent quality with solid vendor partners with strong service level for assigned categories.

·       Obtains actionable intelligence to be “first to market”.

·       Originates new items and new vendor discovery.

·       Performs inspections of select commodities during critical harvest times ensuring quality and specifications are met.

·       Conducts proactive searches of spot buys and produce market opportunities.

·       Reviews monthly display planner to determine what inventory levels are needed to meet ad requirements.

·       Conducts post-promotional reviews and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and if there were problem areas, develops solutions.

·       Conducts logistics planning processes while ordering products to attain the best net product price possible.

·       Manage inventory investment to attain projected category profitability.

·       Supports corporate and region merchandising with procurement execution of contracts and agreements.

·       Provides on-going intelligence and communication to aid in business decision making weather conditions, supply availability, premier growers, cost opportunities, innovation, spot buys, etc.

·       Communicates field intelligence using the Weekly Market Updates and scheduled conference calls with the banners and procurement buyers.

·       Provides feedback and recommendations of grower/supplier products and programs.

·       Helps manage grower relationships based on region and retail banner requirements.

·       Collaborates with procurement buyers and quality control.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Reviews and resolving pre-books/scan-based issues received from stores or division personnel, may require reordering product or accepting product returns from stores.

·       Completes quarterly scorecard to assess whether inventory, service level and category profitability were attained.

·       Reviews and analyzes daily and weekly reports to check service levels and inventory turns, adjusts as needed.

·       Conducts loss prevention reviews and recommends package changes to the category team.

·       Visit 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.

·       Maintains assigned SKU integrity maintenance in system.

·       Coordinates with Warehouse Operations to maintain the proper product flow through the facility, in a timely manner.

·       Performs daily duties with highest ethical business standards and practices.

·       Meets or exceeds defined business measures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Degree in Business, Marketing or related field or relevant experience of marketing, accounting and financial management practices preferred. Store department managerial experience preferred.

Experience:

·       This is the mid-level buying position, at least 2 years buying experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Strong understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices.

·       Agricultural experience in large scale farming, growing operation or agricultural inspection required.

·       Understanding of procurement, logistics and inventory management practices.

·       Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in taking initiative and making appropriate decisions.

·       Planning and organizing skills.

·       Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the Company.

·       Strategy development skills.

·       Relationship management skills.

·       Familiarity with Category Business Planning.

·       Computer aptitude with the ability to use spreadsheet and word-processing software.

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbents may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location