Job Overview:

The BMB-Buyer II is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for Blue Marble Brands including supply chain, sourcing and inventory management. This position manages reporting needs such as fill rate, supplier relationships for designated items for Blue Marble Brands and large customer accounts. Supply Chain duties include maintenance of costs, inventory dollars, raw materials and packaging, basic forecasting, cost analysis and research on market conditions.

Job Responsibilities:

·       Procure and manage inventory investment buys to attain projected category profitability for programs above $250K.

·       Serves as a consultant to retailer accounts and key stakeholders by providing guidance and direction regarding market trends, product availability and mix, cost analysis and fulfillment timeline

·       Responsible for supplier bookings of assigned product lines, including price negotiation and future order commitment

·       Analyzes and evaluates competitive market statistics and data to develop accurate forecast and prepare cost analysis for cost negotiations with vendors

·       Collaborates with Sales team to develop product sales strategy and executes forecast increases to planners (used for ordering) to cover confirmed promotional needs.

·       Manages appropriate inventory levels within set targets as product arrives as scheduled allowing for appropriate lead times.

·       Responsible for mentoring and training members of buying team

·       Ensures compliance with Blue Marble Brands’ procurement process by approving, reviewing and processing purchase orders for customers.

·       Accountable for targeted fill rate/ order placement/ inventory management and service level for established programs

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

·       Monitors product data to ensure category goals are met for fill rate, in-stock and order placement

·       Organize and prioritize purchase orders, maintain inventories, monitor usage inconsistencies, price changes, pack changes and vendor back orders.

·       Responsible for obtaining and conveying information timely to maintain business relationships with vendors and service providers

·       Collaborate with logistics team and carriers to schedule deliveries timely to mitigate additional fees

·       Prepares, reviews and analyzes daily and weekly reports to check service levels and inventory turns for Brands+ leadership team

·       Responsible for qualifying new supplier and sourcing new products, line extensions and makes recommendations to leadership team based on product potential and performance

·       Collaborate with the Product Development/ Quality Assurance department to maintain vendor certificates

·       Communicate with quality assurance and inventory control on quality and inventory issues

·       Support Customer Service to manage and resolve vendor or customer concerns and escalations with vendors

·       Utilize data analytics including industry knowledge to prioritize purchase orders, maintain inventories, monitor usage inconsistencies, price changes, pack changes and vendor back orders

·       Partner with UNFI Legal department to maintain Certificate of Insurance for suppliers including addressing vendor contractors and escalations to mitigate risk and litigation

·       Serve as a liaison between Blue Marble Brands and large customers including but not limited to NCG, UNFI, and UNFI Sales teams

·       Participate in new item launches including setting up vendors, forecasting and procuring new items to meet department goals and promotions

·       Collaborate with Blue Marble Brands sales team to provide inventory analysis, promotional calendar, address customer complaints, and cost concerns and other supply chain questions as needed

·       Support BMB inventory control team to address damage products, billing, artwork charges, spoils risks, quality assurance and invoice discrepancies as needed

·       Lead vendor meetings including conducting vendor performance analysis to solve pressing issues.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education / Certifications

·       High school diploma or GED required

·       Bachelors degree in related field preferred

Experience

·       2-3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

·       Purchasing, Logistics, manufacturing or production background preferred

·       System implementation preferred

·       2-3 years’ experience managing supplier relationships preferred

·       2+ years’ experience with cost analysis and understanding of impact on bottom line preferred

·       Background in food commodities helpful, such as bulk and/or grains

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

·       Working knowledge of natural or organic industry preferred.

·       Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite- Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook

·       Proficient analytical, problem-solving capabilities and detail-oriented

·       Ability to recognize, articulate and present action plans in a professional manner

·       Strong collaborative skills to partner with cross-functional teams including leadership

·       Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment

·       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.

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Incumbent 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.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

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