Associate Buyer

DESCRIPTION

The Associate Buyer is responsible for the day-to-day support of the Grocery, Own Brand team. This role acts a liaison between key business partners and the Own Brand team, insuring the proper and timely procurement and delivery of private label products to our retail partners.

Core Functions

• Organization and collaborate with other departments to achieve company and divisional goals. Develop strong working relationships with internal replenishment and procurement teams.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, troubleshooting detention charges, logistic challenges and supply chain management, as well as coordinate logistics reviews between Wakefern and vendors
• Act as a liaison between OB and corporate Logistics to ensure supplier slotting and PO completion to OB vendors, along with managing supplier escalations
• Run and analyze reports to support OB Product team: comfortable with data and analytics
• Manage supplier onboarding tasks to launch products such as completion of design briefs, specs, supplier collaboration and training. Collection of item specs, new and discontinued item list and dimensions
• Manage data for packaging transitions for category launches and transitions to support CMs in on-time launches with least amount of financial liability
• Item set up for new and/or transitioned SKUs: Understanding of item details and collaboration with suppliers to enter new products in the system
• Manage and successfully execute the RFP process via the sourcing system
• Warehouse inventory updates: Monitor the timely and accurate delivery of Own Brand products to Wakefern, and maintain department service level at 98% or above through supplier interaction and alignment with Replenishment team
• Assist Category Manager as a key member of the category deep dive process, including managing competitive store visits, analysis of products within category, workshop shopping, CDT (consumer decision tree) creation and workshop set-up, etc.
• Organize and run meetings with Category Managers to ensure flow of communication on status updates regarding supplier and item set-up, packaging transitions, financial liabilities and adherence/impact to delivery deadlines
• Successfully navigate the of sales and loyalty data, creation of presentation materials and support in the vendor management process
• Lead various procurement projects that include the areas of purchasing, contracting, sourcing, and commodity management

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or presently enrolled college student with 60 or more credit hours
• 3-5 years’ experience in logistics, category management or similar function
• Required previous experience in Microsoft Office, Power Point, and use of common logistics applications and CGO, LINK, MicroStrategy, QMF, RAPID and WMS
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills with the ability to multitask, manage time effectively and manage a small team
• Self-starter with demonstrated problem solving ability
• Strong attention to detail
• Exceptional relationship building attributes, including superior verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $1251-$1987 per week. Placement in the salary depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.