Salary Range $82,910-$109,780 Position Overview The National Buyer is responsible for ensuring that all produce and products within assigned categories are procured and distributed throughout the C&S distribution centers (DC's) in order to maintain agreed upon service levels by customers while adhering to budgeted inventory levels. The National Buyer ensures that quality produce and products are supplied at competitive prices and look to increase the number of cases sold within the assigned categories. This role is responsible for effectively managing all aspects of product flow and have visibility to each part of the supply chain while adhering to Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). Job Description Description Manage negotiations with growers and shippers to obtain best possible cost, highest quality product, and submit all contract buys to management for major commodities. Resolve pricing issues between vendors and C&S. Supervise vendor incentive programs to achieve planned levels of customer performance. Prepare and provide management with period end reports of category management implementations against agreed upon benchmarks. Provide period reports for each Distribution Centers' actual cases against agreed upon levels of participation. Leverage commodity expertise in assigned categories to streamline processes, gain efficiencies in the buying process on a global basis and train less experienced team members to develop working knowledge of products. Make recommendations on what vendor partnerships are most viable based on industry trends and changes. Monitor items for advertising and negotiate ad lids for commodities within assigned categories. Provide directions to produce turn buyers. Develop and maintain assigned categories with item introductions and deletions based on market trends, category expertise and relationships with vendors/growers to ensure accurate inventory and mitigate risks. Communicate with distribution turn buyers to share forecasted items to buy, and partner closely with distribution center directors and all applicable stakeholders to ensure all retail goals and customers' expectations are met. Lead, mentor, develop and ensure team members achieve goals. Act as a lead for conflict resolution for supplier issues. Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to ensuring that all assigned commodity purchases adhere to customer specifications Travel Required: Yes Environment Office: Office Temperature (65F to 75F) Skills Specialized Knowledge: Knowledge of Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) regulations; Ability to maintain expertise in industry trends Special Skills: Strong product knowledge and deep understanding of distribution logistics and transportation; Knowledge of produce growing areas, seasonality & market prices; Proficient with Microsoft Office suite. Other: Strong communication, relationship building and negotiation skills Years Of Experience 5-7: A minimum of 5 years of produce buying experience. Wholesale department management and/or retail produce experience strongly preferred. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration/Management Shift 1st Shift (United States of America) Company C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC About Our Company C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with over 100,000 different products. C&S also proudly operates and supports corporate grocery stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities. Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC. C&S Wholesale Grocers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law. C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with over 100,000 different products. C&S also proudly operates and supports corporate grocery stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities.