Perishable Grocery Buyer

Now Hiring: Perishable Grocery Buyer

Are you a supply chain pro with a passion for fresh meat and seafood? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your purchasing expertise directly impacts sales and profitability? If so, we want YOU to join our team as a Perishable Buyer!

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Be the driving force behind purchasing and inventory management for fresh meat & seafood!
• Keep the shelves stocked – Ensure on-time delivery and product availability.
• Stay ahead of the game – Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and cost efficiencies.
• Collaborate & strategize – Work with Category Managers on forecasting, promotions, and seasonal planning.
• Problem-solve & optimize – Reduce spoilage, manage overstocks, and maintain top service levels.

What You’ll Do:

• Purchase & plan inventory to hit target service levels, turns, and spoilage goals.
• Monitor supplier performance and take action to ensure reliability and quality.
• Resolve issues related to receiving, damages, and vendor performance.
• Execute plans for overstocks and discontinued items.
• Work cross-functionally with warehouses, vendors, and internal teams.

What We’re Looking For:

• 3-5 years of procurement/supply chain experience (fresh/perishable experience preferred).
• Strong analytical skills – Excel proficiency and experience with replenishment systems (JDA, Navision, etc.).
• Knowledge of grocery retail operations and commodity pricing trends.
• Detail-oriented multitasker who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication & negotiation skills – Build strong vendor relationships.

Why Join Certco?

• Voted Madison’s 2024 Top Workplace
• Competitive salary generous benefits
• Premium low-cost insurance (health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability)
• 401(k) match profit sharing
• Wellness perks: Gym reimbursement, chair massages, on-site fitness center, and weekly chiropractic care
• Exciting company culture: Sponsored walks, sports teams, company picnics, Christmas parties, and pro soccer games
• Job security: Certco is a growing, thriving company with long-term career opportunities

Be Part of a Winning Team!

At Certco, Inc., we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture built on teamwork, integrity, and passion. Our commitment to our employees has earned us the Top Workplace award for 2024, and we’re dedicated to investing in our people and continuing to grow.

If you're ready to take your procurement expertise to the next level, apply today and be a key player in keeping our fresh meat & seafood operations running smoothly and profitably!

Job Summary

Responsible for planning and purchasing assigned lines of products (Mainly Fresh Meat and Seafood) . Maintains responsibility for profitable procurement and timely delivery of products. 

Essential Job Functions

• Purchase inventory items of assigned suppliers to ensure target service level metrics, turns and spoilage goals are achieved. 
• Maintain ERP and purchasing system with accurate short-term demand and lead times. 
• Review daily potential out-of-stocks and take appropriate action for quick recovery 
• Monitor inventory levels to maintain optimum levels. 
• Collaborate with Category Managers to develop seasonal, promotional and long-term forecasts. 
• Research sources of supply, cost efficiency alternatives and problem-solving solutions to ensure the most effective method of procurement is achieved.
• Follow through on all open orders for status to ensure on-time delivery and expedite as needed. 
• Work with the warehouse to resolve any receiving or damage issues on receipts. 
• Monitor supplier performance and take proactive steps to ensure the highest levels of performance from all suppliers are met. 
• Process vendor bill backs when necessary for vendor support on inventory or freight. 
• Utilize report systems to analyze results and identify opportunities for increased sales and profit. 
• Manage execution plan for overstocks and discontinued items.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Be regular in attendance and comply with the Company Attendance Policy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of grocery retail operations, with a background in Perishable products. Knowledge of commodity pricing markets including inflation and deflation cycles. 
• Knowledge of vendor sources and purchasing procedures.
• Must be familiar with ad planning and gross profit structures.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and coordinate various activities simultaneously. 
• Ability to communicate with customers and business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field and/or 3-5 years of procurement/supply chain related experience preferred. Proficiency in MS Excel and replenishment systems such as JDA and Microsoft Navision Dynamics.
• Must have superior analytical skills, be detail oriented and have the ability to navigate in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Certco is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.