What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialty Foods Assistant Buyer position at Nassau Candy Distributor?
Nassau Candy is a premier importer, manufacturer and distributor of specialty confections, fine foods, and promotional products.
We are currently looking to hire a well-rounded Associate Buyer / Category Manager for our growing Specialty Foods team!
This is an excellent opportunity to join and thrive with a stable and growing Long Island company!
Essential Functions of the Category Manager / Buyer:
- Suggest new product lines for distribution with Gourmet and Specialty Foods.
- Source new products of interest within the Specialty Foods Category
- Contact manufacturers to receive pricing and samples for review.
- Organize sourcing efforts and outcomes via spreadsheets.
- Review samples and analyze new products lines with regards to competitive placement, key selling points, Product longevity, guaranteed shelf life, minimum order quantity, pallet configurations, warehouse locations, current distributors handling the line, direct accounts they may service, ranking of items/categories, delivered and pick up pricing.
- Schedule, manage, and participate in meetings and conference calls with new and existing vendors.
- Negotiate pricing, programs, and minimums for new and existing vendors in the category.
- Obtain key information from vendors for items purchased including UPC codes, weights, pallet configuration, pack sizes, prices, deals, lead times, shipping methods, product handling and storage requirements, promotions, and terms.
- Set up of new category assortment additions, including photography coordination and creating marketing materials for “What’s New Publication.”
- Request and compile sell sheets and samples of new lines.
- Survey sales team for product information
- Work with sales team and vendors on scheduling product demonstrations, requesting samples for specific accounts and on account specific promotions (i.e., requesting free fills and /or ad requests, requesting samples for specific events)
- Coordinate vendor participation for food and candy related trade shows.
- May perform other duties and participate in other projects as required by the department.
Minimum Requirements of the Category Manager / Buyer:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing or Merchandising, or similar business discipline.
- Minimum of 5 - 7 years of purchasing experience in a food manufacturing or distribution environment
- Negotiating and relationship building skills
- PC Literacy (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced and busy work environment.
- Strong recall skills and the ability to think and respond quickly and intelligently.
- Excellent overall written and verbal communication and organizational skills
- Detail orientation and the ability to use logical thought processes to solve problems involving several variables.
- Must be able to move/unpack boxes of samples of new items for review.
Category Manager / Buyer Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive Pay
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, AFLAC
- Vacation and PTO time
- 401(K)
- Family-oriented company culture, business casual attire
- Employee Discounts
- and Pet Insurance!
This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant and growing company!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer