Smith Brothers Farms is a local company that has served as the Milkman to the Puget Sound for 100 years. We deliver fresh dairy and locally-sourced groceries to over 65,000 customers and we’re looking to grow.

The Buyer’s primary purpose is to support the catalog expansion and management of all grocery products sold through the Smith Brothers Farms and Alpenrose home delivery service. In this key role, you will use best practices to assist in all buying activities including forecasting, inventory management, vendor management and PO reconciliation. You will work with vendors large and small to help expand our catalog to 600 active warehouse slots, including a mix of everyday, seasonal and short-term offerings. The buyer will have specific vendor and/or category assignments to manage, with total responsibility for achieving target in-stock levels and spoilage rates. This position is a key member of the team and resource in our effort to increase our average order size and overall customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure product supply, competitive pricing, and long-term partnerships.
• Effectively manage inventory to ensure high service levels while minimizing spoilage.
• Negotiate, manage and track vendor promotion allowances.
• Make sound purchasing decisions and manage the purchase order life cycle.
• Daily walking of coolers and hands-on inspection of product.
• Analyze and monitor sales records and trends to determine buying patterns.
• Assist the Category Director in executing the overall vision for the category (e.g., assortment, pricing, merchandising, advertising/promotion, receipt flow, and margin)
• Evaluate and manage returns and vendor notification for products that do not meet quality standards upon delivery.
• Mange inventory cycle counting to ensure accuracy between on-hand and system numbers and to identify any upcoming spoilage issues.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with all coworkers, manager, customers and business partners.
• Safety is an essential function of every position. Wear appropriate safety gear when in the warehouse or production environment. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Perform all other duties when requested or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business/supply chain/marketing or related field
• 2 years of retail/wholesale buying experience in the food industry or a combination of relevant education and experience. Experience with perishables preferred
• Strong accuracy/attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks/projects
• Ability to function in a fast paced, office/ecommerce/warehouse environment
• Familiarity with food retail industry technical terms and processes
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills, in particular Excel. Comfortable with computer systems, knowledge with or ability to quickly learn relevant NetSuite functions.
• Ability to educate team on product knowledge and convey enthusiasm
• Clean driving record

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full time, Mon-Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm, with flexibility to work from home two days per week
• Occasional early morning coverage and weekend work
• Occasional travel to sister company (Alpenrose Dairy in Clackamas, OR), vendor visits or industry events
• Office environment with daily visits and time spent in a noisy/active refrigerated warehouse
• Occasional use of company non-commercial company vehicles or personal vehicle to pick-up local vendor rush orders