What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Service Buyer position at Cooper-Booth Wholesale Company?
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Position Summary
The Buyer is responsible for executing purchasing activities and ensuring product availability across assigned categories. This role manages day-to-day buying, vendor communications, pricing, and inventory replenishment while support Category Managers with strategic initiatives such as assortment planning, promotions, and vendor programs.
Key Responsibilities
Purchasing & Replenishment
- Place and confirm purchase orders with assigned vendors.
- Monitor inventory levels to maintain in-stock position which minimizing excess inventory.
- Track vendor fill rates and follow up on late or incomplete deliveries.
- Support demand planning and forecasting for core items.
- Serve as the primary contact for assigned vendors on routine purchasing matters.
- Maintain accurate product pricing, including cost updates and promotional pricing.
- Enter vendor deals, pre-book orders, and promotional programs into ERP systems.
- Assist Category Managers with vendor program execution and negotiations.
- Assist with new item setup, SKU rationalization, and promotional execution.
- Provide sales and inventory data to support decision-making.
- Monitor competitor pricing and market conditions for assigned products.
- Participate in vendor meetings, internal reviews, and trade shows as needed.
- Run reports to identify out-of-stocks, slow movers, and high-performing products.
- Provide regular updates on purchase orders, inventory levels, and vendor performance.
- Support budgeting and forecasting through spend and cost analysis.
Required Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Effective communication skills with vendors and internal teams.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales, cost, and inventory data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and ERP/purchasing systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred (Business, Supply Chain, or related field).
- 2 - 4 years of experience in purchasing, buying, or vendor management.
- Wholesale, retail, or distribution experience strongly preferred.
- Complete medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident insurances starting the first of the month following 60-days of employment.
- 401(k) after 6 months with 2% employer match.
- Paid Time Off (PTO); starting at 80 hours your first year.
- 6 Paid Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other mental health benefits are available!
- Ability to purchase products from the warehouse at wholesale price.