Assistant Buyer - Grocery/Pet

PLAINFIELD COOPERATIVE

Job Description

Title: Assistant Buyer

Department: Grocery/Pet

Report: General Manager

Status: Full-Time / Hourly

Wage: $20.00/hr.

Overview

The Assistant Buyer will act as part of the store operations team to support the General Manager in the maintenance of daily store operations. They will offer direct support to all staff in the achievement of co-op objectives through excellent communication skills and attention to organizational detail, while providing guidance and direction to operational staff as needed.

The Assistant Buyer will assist the team in keeping shelves fully stocked and well presented while offering excellent customer service.

The Assistant Buyer will support the standard practice of all store policies and procedures, with a focus on the successful execution of daily tasks by the store team in the furtherance of the cooperative mission.

As an Assistant Buyer, The Assistant Buyer will actively pursue and facilitate the procurement of wholesale product for retail sale and support the department objectives for sales, profit margin, and labor.

General Accountability

• Reporting to the General Manager, the Assistant Buyer will help accomplish goals set towards positive operating results.
• Schedule will be based on the needs of the business.

The Assistant Buyer will be attentive and responsive to the concerns of members, customers, suppliers, staff, and community, and will communicate these as appropriate in order to address them in accordance with the Plainfield Cooperative’s Ends Statement and Policies.

Supervision

• No hire/fire authority
• Training and supervision of co-op employees as required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stock product on grocery shelves.
• Perform Cashier duties as needed.
• Contribute to Grocery Department purchasing effectively and profitably following guidance of the Grocery Buyer
• Abide by all Co-op policies and procedures as outlined in the Personnel Policies and Operating Policies and Procedures.
• Follow and ensure compliance with all health and safety practices and policies. Ensure proper storage and labeling procedures.
• Ensure accurate up-to-date records of product costs, pricing, labeling, and signage. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial local supplier relationships.
• Ensure prompt, friendly, courteous customer service. Model exceptional customer service skills and communicate expectations to staff.
• Merchandise effectively. Execute attractive displays with appropriate signage; ensure displays are fully stocked and rotated to support freshness and quality control.
• Check in deliveries accurately and efficiently. Receive orders and/or ensure proper receiving by staff. Coordinate returns and credit from suppliers where applicable. Review invoices for accuracy and process for payment.
• Ensure that store is attractive, clean, and that all equipment is well-maintained.
• Participate in regular category price audits and inventory.
• Assist with receiving duties when necessary.
• Maintain and help to organize appropriate backstock levels

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Retail experience required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidential information with professionalism.
• Ability to model desirable leadership skills and professional conduct.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines.
• Ability to give and receive feedback
• Ability to supervise others effectively. Preference for previous supervisory experience.
• Excellent customer service skills; friendly, cooperative, tactful, and courteous.
• Regular, predictable attendance
• Basic computer skills including Excel.
• Good time-management skills.
• Active listening skills.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.

EXCELLENCE IN THIS POSITION

• Previous retail purchasing experience preferred.
• Creative merchandising skills or experience.
• Passion for food and familiarity with natural foods.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy and deal effectively with conflict resolution.
• Ability to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to handle multiple demands.
• Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork is a constant.
• Commitment to cooperative values and principles.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Confidentiality/Discretion

This position has access to confidential information that pertains to the business. It is expected that this information will be shared only as necessary, with discretion and as appropriate, in accordance with the functions of the position and all applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

Physical Demands

Physical ability to meet the needs of regular and predictable attendance. Essential work duties may place physical demands on employee consistent with preparing and offering product in a retail environment, including freezers and coolers.

• Frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs. throughout shift.
• Frequently move about store to access product and supplies (reaching, bending, etc.).
• Regularly ascend and descend step stools, ladders. Regularly ascend and descend stairs to move between floors.
• Frequently be in movement, including upright at register, with appropriate breaks.
• Frequently handle small items with dexterity, including writing instruments, register, credit cards/machine, keyboards, computer mouse, scissors, stapler, cash, etc.

The Co-op provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with a disability.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to use measures for weight and volume. Adept at using a calculator/adding machine is desirable.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply deductive reasoning, collect data, establish facts, and solve practical problems. Ability to deal with changing situations with multiple variables. Ability to apply concepts in practice and to predict probable results. Critical thinking and ability to achieve solutions through various approaches.

Education and Experience

High School diploma, general education degree (GED) or equivalent. Grocery retail, food service, restaurant or related experience preferred.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20