About the company 

Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. With a fixation on raising the bar with innovation and building belonging through our culture, our team is rallying our company around a unique purpose: to create joy around each table and inspire a healthier tomorrow for every community.  

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with over 2,200 stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets, and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. We support our stores with 22 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing plants.  

Placing a premium on adaptability, safety and family well-being, our work model, Presence with a Purpose, offers a hybrid work environment between remote work and office time.  A one-size-fits-all approach does not apply to everyone, and teams are empowered to make decisions best for them.  

  

Bring your flavor 

Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table. 

#bringyourflavor  

#LI-AC1 

 

What you will be doing 

The Produce Buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned lines. Works closely with Category Managers to achieve the goals of the company. Provides supply chain/inventory management for promotionally active categories and corresponding financial accountabilities. Buys in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the Company, Category Manager(s), and Distribution. 

 

Main responsibilities 

Key Accountabilities 

Obtain the best possible product costs, quality and service at all times.  Ensure that established policies and procedures are understood and adhered to by all procurement buying staff.  Strive to obtain inventory and turn goals, while maintaining service level and minimizing distress.  Collaborate with Procurement Manager and Quality Assurance to ensure product specifications are met and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory and company requirements.  Interface with other departments and division personnel to accomplish job functions. Develop and maintain good working relationships with vendors, store operations, distribution center and division office personnel.  Review acquisition costs to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need.  Assess current inventory, market conditions, availability, and promotional impact to forecast order quantities and make recommendations to the merchandising team.  Conduct post-promotional reviews and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and develop solutions for problem areas  Review and resolve inventory issues at store level due to allocations or order issues.  Review and analyze daily and weekly reports to monitor costs, quality, service level, inventory turns, and distress and adjust as needed.  Visit stores, as needed, to monitor programs, obtain store feedback and to assess overall implementation effectiveness.  Manage Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure correct prices have been invoiced.  Resolve store billing questions by researching discrepancies submitted at store level with Store Billing and entering credits where appropriate or providing resolution.  Resolve store distribution issues by acting as a liaison with the Transportation department, QA and store associates.  Maintain all necessary department files and records.  Coordinate with Warehouse Operations to maintain the proper product flow through the facility, in a timely manner.  Remote access (buying system) from home or off-site location when necessary. 

 

What we are searching for  

Knowledge & Experience 

Education Level: 

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences, Business, Marketing, Logistics or related field or relevant industry experience or marketing, accounting, logistics and financial management practices preferred. 

 

Experience Level: 

Minimum of 2+ years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience in industry or retail: produce experience a plus. 

 

Skills and Experiences: 

Retail operations/Marketing/Logistics experience preferred or strong understanding of store operations and merchandising methodologies and practices.  Understanding of perishable procurement, logistics, inventory management, marketing, accounting, and financial management practices.  Excellent organizational and analytical skills; ability to take initiative and make fact-based decisions.  Ability to plan and organize effectively  Written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships internally and externally.  Strong computer aptitude in MS-Office including Word, Excel, and Access.  Ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions 

 

Physical Environment: 

Ability to lift 30 pounds or more.  Work typically performed in a temperature-controlled environment. A limited amount of time may be at temperatures of 40 degrees or lower (produce warehouses).  Spends extended periods of time at desk or computer terminal.  Uses calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during a normal workday.  Workdays are fast paced; some evening and weekend work may be required.

 

Travel Requirements: 5% - 10% 

 

What is it like at Albertsons?  

Our 290,000 associates have a passion for great service and building lasting relationships with our customers. Through a companywide focus on innovation, we are continually enhancing our digital and product offerings, making it easy for customers to get what they need, wherever they are. 

  

Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.    

We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).