What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer I / Associate Buyer position at National Food Group?
Job Title: Associate Buyer
Department: Purchasing
Reports To: Category Lead / Buyer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Novi, MI (Hybrid)
Reports To: Category Lead / Buyer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Novi, MI (Hybrid)
Position Summary
The Associate Buyer supports the Category Lead and Buyer in executing strategic purchasing and vendor management initiatives. This role focuses on analytics, vendor research, price increase tracking, and execution of Opportunity Buy (OB) and Ongoing Opportunity Buy (OOB) programs. The Associate Buyer assists with the large buyer desk to increase capacity while owning a small group of vendors and managing low-risk items to gain experience and develop category expertise. The Associate Buyer may attend trade shows to identify potential vendors and source new items for the category, representing and pitching National Food Group (NFG) in a professional and engaging manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide data analytics and reporting support to Buyer and Category Lead.
- Research vendors, monitor price increases, and identify cost-saving or margin improvement opportunities.
- Assist with Opportunity Buy (OB) and Ongoing Opportunity Buy (OOB) program execution.
- Manage and execute existing exclusive vendor contracts.
- Own and manage a small group of vendors and low-risk items to gain experience.
- Identify new vendors and new items for current business and ensure accurate system setup.
- Collaborate with Category Lead on vendor visits, aligning on meeting strategy, content, and co-presenting material.
- Attend trade shows to source items and promote NFG to prospective vendors.
- Work with Category Lead to plan and present at internal product and vendor showcases.
- Partner with Sales, Logistics, and other departments to manage bids, source products, and negotiate terms.
- Understand stocked inventory levels for assigned items and create sales awareness with the sales team.
- Train new hires in systems and business processes as needed.
- Attend customer service and technical training as available.
- Solve problems as they arise and make timely, informed decisions based on analysis and business impact.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in purchasing or supply chain.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Skills:
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate and build effective relationships across teams and vendors.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management, and ERP systems.
- Comfortable attending trade shows and representing NFG to external partners.
Core Competencies
- Business and Financial Acumen
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Communication and Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Initiative and Accountability
- Adaptability and Continuous Learning
We love when our team members are happy and healthy! At National Food Group, you'll have the following benefits and perks:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision care insurance
- Group life & voluntary life insurance
- 401(k) savings plan
- Flexible savings plan
- Short-term & long-term disability
- PTO & PTO buy up
- Tuition reimbursement
- Wellness reimbursement
Our office work environment:
Works in a temperature-controlled office environment.
This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made to fulfill these requirements.
The above statements generally describe the principal and essential functions of the job but should not be construed as a detailed description of all essential functions that may be inherent in the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
National Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.
- Please also include your salary requirements when submitting your resume.