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The role sits in the Replenishment Buying organization and is stationed at the Area level. The Area Buyer will utilize their category expertise and vendor specific knowledge to manage inventory levels for all assigned items, suppliers and/or categories while maintaining service level targets to our customers.

The Area Buyer will be an elevated, standardized role across the organization focusing on highest value buying actions such as PO management, inventory monitoring and core KPI reporting. They will serve as the primary POC for vendor POs within an Area. Additionally, Area Buyers will team up with Replenishment operations to problem solve and ensure our customers receive complete orders and have great experiences.

Flexible Work Policy: The Area Buyer position has been segmented as Hybrid, meaning the work is a combination of onsite (2 days per month) and virtual. This position can be based out of our corporate headquarters in Rosemont, IL or our location in Perth, Amboy, NJ.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

Daily replenishment duties and KPI monitoring:

Drive the core Replenishment buying work and ensure key functions are being fulfilled.
 

KPI Reporting: Delivers on KPI’s for desk specific goals such as: Service Level, Days-Inventory-On-Hand (DIOH), Excess and Obsolete inventory (E&O) and Spoilage.PO preparation: Analyzes economic order quantities, forecasts, lead times, vendor set-up, safety stock, etc., and uses discretion and independent judgment to create efficient purchase orders with our suppliers.PO Buying: Executes forward-buy opportunities to achieve profitability for period or year-end based on targeted goals. Controls decision rights on PO execution, timing and to ensure KPI’s are balanced with needs of the business.Inventory Monitoring: Proactively reviews projected out of stock report daily and makes purchasing decisions, including how and where to find substitute products where appropriate, to ensure we deliver on customer order fulfillment.Inventory Reporting: Routinely monitor (and escalate with suggested actions as needed) crucial inventory health reports such as stock outs, waitlist, and subgroup exception reportsPO monitoring & recovery: Establish sharp communication with internal partners on supplier production delays or order shortages, while pursuing recovery options with urgency.

Cross-functional coordination and company performance optimization:

Coordinate cross functionally to manage and improve key drivers of company performance

Inventory Optimization: Collaborates with internal and external business partners to reduce overstock, slow-moving and obsolete inventory, as well as initiate product returns where applicable.Spoilage Minimization: Utilizes understanding of product shelf life and manufacturing dates in the prevention of spoilage for specific buying categories.Seasonal Adjustments: Communicates closely with our cross-functional partners to capture seasonal trends and events in the business as well as drive profitability with accurate costs.Category Management Coordination: Partners appropriately with product/category management team to maintain supplier relationships and proper accountability.Logistics Coordination: Cooperates with the Logistics and Replenishment Excellence teams to identify and achieve freight consolidation in order to maximize net income and best cost of goods.Warehouse Operations Coordination: Evaluates inbound volume and purchase history to collaborate with warehouse operations on efficient receiving practices.

Team cooperation & continuous improvement:

  

Participate on a team of 3-10 talented Buyers and help drive continuous improvement within the team. Specifically providing:  

Continuous improvement: Share your current challenges, operational learnings, and opportunities with the Area Replenishment staff to make recommendations for how to improve standard processesClear communication channels: Ensure smooth coordination and information flow between Replenishment Operations, cross-functional partners, and Area Buying operationsCulture building: Contribute to a strong culture of customer service orientation, collaboration, performance, and continuous improvement within the team 

SUPERVISION:

Directly reports to a Director, Area Replenishment (or in some instances: Manager, Replenishment)

RELATIONSHIPS

This role sits within the Replenishment function, and it is part of a dedicated Area Replenishment Buying team which must coordinate with other Replenishment functions and cross-functional personnel

Replenishment Operations: The role will communicate with Replenishment Leads/Assistants to confirm POs are delivered successfully and remedy situations in which issues ariseReplenishment Excellence: The role will be supported by a talented team of inventory optimization and demand forecasting personnel. Buyers will coordinate with these teams to optimize PO buying decisions and truck buildsAdditional functions to work closely with:Logistics: OTD issues, truck building, order shortages/delaysWarehouse Operations: Receiving schedules & practicesCategory Management: Commodity buying guidance, supplier & sourcing decisionsSales: Customer service support

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1+ years of direct inventory management/supply chain experience required. Possess superior oral and written communication along with strong analytical skills.Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with suppliers, sales, field partners and other business contacts via telephone, email, and video conferencing.Must have a general understanding of logistics and connection in support of an efficient distribution model.Must be able to deal with high pressure situations to meet daily/weekly timelines with a high sense of urgency.Ability to function in Microsoft ExcelAbility to quickly learn new technologies, with SCPO experience heavily preferred.

EDUCATION

Four-year degree is highly preferred. Equivalent work experience and applicable certifications may be considered as well (Military Service, APICS, CPM, etc.). 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 3 years purchasing experience preferred, with food service experience a plus. 

***EOE Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Protected Veteran/Disability Status***