Corporate Buyer

POSITION PURPOSE

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and “other” duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Corporate Buyer is responsible for overseeing product purchasing and activity of the locations’ buying team. Lead the coordination and procurement of product in an efficient and cost-effective manner in alignment with the company strategy toward achieving operational excellence. Supports sales initiatives and collaborates with the sales team to support customer accounts. Coordinates logistics for inbound freight and provide assistance to other buyers and inventory control. Obtain seafood products which meet or exceed company specifications at the lowest legal cost. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES 

• Develops and executes strategic seafood sourcing and purchasing plans to meet customer expectations while optimizing production and logistics operations at the lowest cost.
• Manages the seafood procurement process to support timely scheduling and communication with support departments ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Manage and communicate new products, discontinued items, and changes in product and packaging technologies.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with key suppliers to secure optimal pricing, quality, and reliability of supply over the long term.
• Understands and uses supplier lead times to maximize the company's advantages in the marketplace.
• Works with the sales team to understand market conditions, analyze competitive market activity, and assist in the development of sales and merchandising programs.
• Monitors market conditions and communicate trends and changes with the sales team.
• Analyze current sales, inventory positions, planned sales and promotions, and ad items. 
• Works with logistics on transportation instructions. Ensures that product transport carriers adhere to committed schedules for delivery and that carriers follow warehouse receiving schedule requirements.
• Attends purchasing and/or inventory meetings.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or other related field 

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of related experience and/or training. 
• Prior experience in the seafood industry.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: 

• Advanced knowledge in category management and/or product development.
• Ability to effectively manage negotiations and conduct category management.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of judgement, especially when working with information that is confidential in nature.
• Strong decision-making ability. Demonstrate ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented, problem solver.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse set of staff in various operations and technical areas, at different levels.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office conditions
• Requires travel to different locations
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours, depending on business needs.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to prioritize and organize workload to ensure deadlines are met.
• Able to manage stressful and challenging situations.

INTERPERSONAL INTERACTION

This position reports directly to the President. On a daily basis, the person in this position will interact with management from various departments and locations, including vendors and suppliers. Ability to effectively communicate information, ability to listen, and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.