What are the responsibilities and job description for the Category Buyer position at Van Eerden Foodservice?
Van Eerden Foodservice is a fourth-generation, family-owned foodservice distributor celebrating over 100 years of Delivering a Great Customer Experience! We believe nothing brings food and families together like sharing a meal. By serving our customers and employees, we allow others to do what the VE family values as an important family tradition – share a meal with friends and family. Rooted in quality and service, we strive to deliver Fresh Ideas, Fresh Products, and Fresh Solutions to our customers each and every day.
We are more than a food company - we are a family company treating our team like family and a customer company focusing on Great People, Delivering a Great Customer Experience!
As a Category Buyer your main responsibilities will be:
- Own day-to-day purchasing decisions by evaluating vendors, items, and inventory needs to ensure product availability and service excellence
- Partner with the Category Managers to analyze, approve, and implement pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin, and customer value
- Identify and recommend forward-buy opportunities based on market conditions, demand trends, and inventory strategy
- Hold vendors and brokers accountable through proactive collaboration, performance review, and clear communication
- Evaluate freight options and collaborate cross functionally to optimize cost, service levels, and supply chain efficiency
- Serve as a key communication hub between vendors, brokers, category leadership, and internal teams
- Actively contribute to category strategy by supporting goals, initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
- Champion product quality by working closely with the Category Managers to ensure consistent standards for all products received and shipped
The qualified candidate will have a strong understanding of supply chain concepts, multi-tasking, analytical application, communications, team approach, computer skills, and a mathematical aptitude. We are looking for someone with 2 years of experience involved in category management or purchasing preferred, but are also willing to train. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
Van Eerden offers employee benefits including Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, paid vacations and holidays, and a 401k plan with a 50% Company Match.
If you are an ambitious and dedicated individual who has a passion for the food business and providing a great customer experience, we’d love to have you join our team!
Van Eerden is a proud veteran and military-friendly employer.