We have a great opportunity for an experienced Buying Manager who has in depth knowledge in the Grocery industry and trade. This FT Specialty Grocery Buying Manager will work as part of our Corporate team, traveling to explore the many new products within the gourmet product industry.

The Specialty Grocery Buying Manager will be responsible for sourcing new center store/grocery products, investigating the product, negotiating costs, and assessing the need and placement in our stores. This individual’s primary job function will be to introduce new lines of merchandise into our stores that capture modern, trendy, specialty and niche for our center store.

Responsibilities

• Source, investigate, research and track key grocery items being sold in specialty stores and introduce them for potential new agreements of sale/inventory
• Will negotiate all costs with vendors for new products, with all approvals going through the Director of Center Store.
• Visit stores in the states where our stores are located to explore their shelf items and grocery inventory, with a mindful eye on new, specialty items
• Create new lines of merchandise for Italian specialty grocery, gluten-free, imported, local, organic, etc. Items/products should be new, innovative and trendy
• Invite vendors to showcase their products for sampling, taste tests and fresh appeal
• Network with other merchandisers, attend shows and review materials to maintain awareness of new trends and changes in products. Research goods to help lower costs of products
• Works with Director of Center Store, authorizing purchase orders and sales agreements
• Works with Director of Center Store for budgeting forecasts
• Other duties and functions as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Education

• BS Degree in Merchandising, Business, Materials Management or related field
• 7 years of experience working within a large grocery store, in a management position (ASM, Store Manager, Closing Manager, Department Manager)
• 3 years of experience working in Center Store Merchandising
• Must have in depth knowledge of grocery store operations, merchandising, product knowledge, specialty items, pricing, reporting and budgeting.
• Must have excellent negotiation skills with the ability to forecast needs and trends
• Must have excellent communication skills with strong business acumen for hosting showcases
• Strong knowledge with budgets, reporting and inventory

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(K), 50% off lunch, 25% in store shopping and more!