Animal Health Purchasing/Dept Lead

Overview
Evaluate vendors/purchasing program to ensure that animal health merchandise is sourced and purchased to provide the best possible value to co-op patrons. Provide assistance to the Store Manager, staff and retail personnel on various projects and programs.

Duties

• Ensure that Gross margins are adequate to provide for profitable operation of the Co-op within assigned sales categories; review gross margins on a regular basis to look for increased retail margin opportunities; maintain profitable gross margins within categories and update costs/retail as needed.
• Research inventory discrepancies and work with retail locations to resolve problems.
• Assist stores with special order inventory items and work with retail associates to locate and approve new suppliers.
• Monitor various reports from the Merchant system and utilize those other electronic information systems to assist in maximizing retail profits.
• Assist in educating and training retail associates on product knowledge and operations training; schedule training with Co-op vendors, others to help improve employee product knowledge.
• Work with retail stores/advertising manager to direct Co-op promotional efforts and maximize advertising investment.
• Solicit and evaluate bids from suppliers, select vendors, pool orders to maximize pricing/payment terms, and help control inventory levels on product.
• Develop a list of items for Co-op sales flyers, and work to monitor inventory levels to support promotions, communicate with retail stores on manufacturer promotions/special offers.
• Monitor competitors’ promotional materials to ensure that Co-op retail stores remain competitive in the marketplace.
• Attend trade shows and vendor events to look at new products/programs and evaluate their potential for Co-op stores.
• Assist Store Manager, other staff associates on special projects as requested.
• Assist in identifying potential special events and work on planning and execution of these promotions.
• Work with the General Manager, retail stores, and others on developing retail budget numbers.
• Participate in industry events and groups to help provide maximum exposure to the Co-op.
• Help monitor retail inventory levels and assist stores in identifying slow moving/obsolete inventory and assist in developing plans to liquidate it.
• Develop and contribute content/promotions/promotional items to feature on the Co-op website and social networking sites.
• Review assigned vendor invoices for accuracy in pricing, terms, etc.; follow up on discrepancies on vendor billing.
• Perform any and all duties necessary to help provide for the profitable operation of the Co-op.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High School graduate or General Education Degree (GED)
• Experience: 2 years of animal health experience preferred and agricultural background preferred,
• Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs; ability to learn company software; ordering through vendor sites; and ability to learn newer versions of Microsoft Office,
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend English.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential and central functions of this job; It does not restrict management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; Changes to this job description should be expected to meet the changing needs of the business and its customers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Animal Health: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Staunton, VA 24401 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $17