Buyer

Description

CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING is the largest independent broadline food distributor in the Midwest, serving customers in 11 states from three regional distribution centers.  Our customers include restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels, and government foodservice operations.  This Buyer position is based in Fargo, ND at the Cash-Wa Fargo Facility. The Buyer is accountable for purchasing items and maintaining industry leading service level goals to our customers while managing pricing, costing, and agreed upon inventory days on hand and obsolete inventory goals.  They also serve as a key contact for Sales and Operations regarding product availability, special orders, and supplier related issues.

Responsibilities:

• Manage inventory replenishment based on service level goals and inventory turns.
• Performs purchasing/buying duties by analyzing inventory requirements and placing purchase orders for product items in assigned categories.
• Maintains computer item/vendor files for costing and statistical purposes.
• Responds to inquiries from Sales Associates and others.  Communicates and urgently works to resolve issues.
• Manage accurately PO costs and freight costs to most competitive cost of goods.
• Manages and processes special orders.
• Works directly with suppliers and cross functionally with all internal business areas in the company, e.g. Sales, Receiving, Finance and Operations.
• Researches and identifies discrepancies quickly to ensure prompt payment to suppliers.
• Maintains knowledge of market conditions regarding price and is aware of resources at they relate to key items.
• Works closely with Category Managers and vendors to meet departmental goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required
• 2-4 years of experience in purchasing strongly preferred
• Experience with purchasing software preferred
• Prior food buying experience in Food Service Distribution preferred
• Highly developed negotiation skills
• Proven track record in maintaining excellent vendor relationships
• Comprehensive computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word. 
• Proven communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work independently and as an effective member of a team
• Requires ability to work well with all levels of Associates and customers, to use follow up skills and to organize work
• Must be able to exercise independent decisions making; excellent problem resolution skills
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with constant deadlines in a high volume, fast paced  environment

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/Vets/Disabled.

Qualifications