Perishable Buyer

Salary & Benefits: $15.50/hr+, with an additional $3/hr differential DOE to start, 20% store discount, accrued Paid Time Off, eligible for company benefits after 90 day 

Hours: Non-exempt, hourly, full-time

Summary:  Buyers select, price and promote, and stock designated products in their sub-departments, in this instance for the perishable departments (refrigerated, frozen, meat, cheese, and prepared foods). They are responsible for meeting objectives for sales, margin and inventory turns as well as providing prompt, friendly, informed and helpful customer service. Buyers report to the Grocery & Wellness manager, support general department functions and may be trained to work as a backup Buyer for other sub-departments. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Purchasing and Category Management:

• Negotiate with suppliers for favorable prices, terms, quality and delivery 
• Build and sustain relationships with sales representatives and vendors
• Place orders to ensure regular stock and adequate supply for specials
• Evaluate vendors and investigate new sources of supply, especially looking for locally and sustainably produced items
• Receive deliveries 
• Obtain credit for damaged or incorrect products from vendors
• Categorize and file invoices and credits on time
• Ensure accurate, up to date and competitive pricing for department items; perform regular updates of POS records
• Calculate prices to meet goals and objectives for sales, margin and inventory 
• Conduct product research by exploring local and regional vendors, nearby competitors, customer requests and market trends
• Periodically evaluate and monitor regional and national sales trends and performance to improve purchasing decisions
• Participate in setting annual budget for department in collaboration with Management team

Merchandising:

• Plan and maintain attractive, fully stocked and rotated sections
• Optimize shelf sets using guidance from vendor representatives and brokers, analyzing sales data and with consideration of our store’s customer base
• Ensure accurate, uniform and up to date department signage as needed following standards set and maintained by Marketing department
• Plan and implement periodic departmental resets as needed and as requested by Grocery & Wellness Manager and/or Cooperative Executive Officer
• Collaborate with Marketing Coordinator and other Buyers to maintain the themes/promotions calendar and curate product demos
• Work with Marketing Coordinator to highlight promotions including interesting and attractive seasonal sales, manufacturer discounts and displays

Department Maintenance, Operation and Communication:

• Share delivery schedule with receiving staff, noting any changes as they arise
• Ensure unsellable items are returned or otherwise properly disposed of 
• Ensure department areas are in clean orderly condition consistent with Health Department standards; monitor consistency & address as needed 
• Participate in quarterly store inventory counts
• Work with Facilities Manager to maintain department equipment in working order and inform them of equipment problems or needs
• Provide resources & information for staff to gain product knowledge 
• Arrange coverage for adequate ordering and meeting order deadlines when away from the co-op

Customer Service:

• Maintain consistent office and floor hours to be available as a resource to our shoppers and staff
• Provide customers with multiple product options to ensure proper selection and satisfaction
• Offer additional product information, samples and assistance as needed. This includes referring the customer to another business if we are unable to obtain their desired product
• Place special orders in a timely fashion and communicate effectively with members regarding product details, pricing and arrival date 

Accountabilities:

• Attends and participates in Buyers’ meetings
• Prioritizes attendance at all-staff and Grocery Department meetings
• Demonstrates responsibility for the performance of assigned sections of store by being proactive, creative, honest and open-minded; approaches new scenarios and new challenges seeking to learn
• Demonstrates commitment to the successful operations of the co-op as a whole by supporting others in the Grocery Department (and throughout the store) as needed
• Interact with others in a manner that reflect Mariposa’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and working for food justice to serve our community 
• Communicate in a clear, friendly and efficient manner in order to delegate tasks to Stocker/Receivers

Key Aptitudes, Experience & Physical Qualifications

Key Aptitudes & Experience:

• 2+ years grocery buying experience or buying experience in other industries depending on other qualifications and knowledge
• 2+ years experience providing service in a grocery, deli, bakery or specialty store
• Thorough knowledge of product productions, practices and relevant agricultural terms including but not limited to: sustainable farming practices, organic farming, pasture raised, grass-fed, seasonality and fair trade 
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for the products being purchased within sub-department
• Experience with pricing, margin management, product selection and trends
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and POS database systems 
• Ability to take direction, guidance, advice and critical feedback from others with a good attitude 
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, prioritization and sense of urgency 
• Adequate analytical skills and spatial awareness to understand the store’s operational workflow
• Willingness and ability to learn and meet the changing requirements of the job and to adapt practices to meet new industry trends
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including customer service, conflict resolution, creative problem solving, de-escalation tactics and critical thinking 

Physical Qualifications:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, bend and reach
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders many times throughout shift
• Fine motor skills needed to safely operate light machinery, equipment and sharp tools
• Ability to be active or on one’s feet for the vast majority of shift
• Ability to perform responsibilities in cold and/or damp environments for sustained periods of time
• Ability to operate various pieces of office equipment
• May be required to travel for trade shows or field trips to suppliers or other co-ops 

This position description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, might be part of the job.