Job Description:
Sprouts is a neighborhood grocery store with the feel of an old-fashioned farmers market. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members are here to help our shoppers achieve “healthy living for less.” We are currently seeking a Regional Buyer who will support weekly distribution center customer service, vendor purchase orders, business report development and analysis, and vendor relations.
Essential Functions:
- Ensure that company Strategic Procurement guidelines are executed as outlined in the company procurement and sales policies.
- Maintain viable in-stock inventory for resale while ensuring satisfactory turnover and code dating freshness of product at the Warehouse.
- Become an expert in current industry promotions and advertising programs.
- Develop and maintain good, positive working relationships with vendors, brokers, agents, salesmen and importers.
- Provide recommendations regarding new products handled and/or items to be discontinued.
- Study market trends, interview vendors and recommend sources of supply.
- Purchase items at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source and urgency of need.
- Interface with various departments, including receiving, billing and transportation to ensure correct billings and product delivery scheduling.
- Supervise preparation of orders and follow-up orders to expedite delivery, as necessary.
- Ensure maintenance of necessary records and files for department operation.
- Responsible for necessary follow-through on product price changes and allowances.
- Responsible to spot-check the quality of produce coming into the DC from company vendors.
- Carry out purchasing assignments requiring the exercise of judgment and ingenuity and a specialized knowledge of items purchased and sources of supply.
Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of iTrade platform
- Ability to successfully manage concurrent projects and meet deadlines
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to preserve confidentiality of information
- Strong sense of urgency with the ability to prioritize
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & Outlook)
Education:
Bachelor Degree preferred with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in Buying; or an acceptable combination of education and experience
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position or that a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Most work is performed in a distribution center environment.
- Exposure to extreme temperature changes, moisture, noise, odors, and moving equipment.
- Running forklifts or pallet jacks on occasion.
- Prolonged sitting in front of a computer.
- Extensive phone communication and interaction with distribution center staff and store level personnel.
- Up to 10% of time may be involved in traveling.
- Lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or carrying up to 70 lbs.
