Category Manager/Buyer

Description

Category Manager/Buyer
Reports to: Director of Center Stores
FLSA: Exempt
Department: Merchandising

Discover El Rio Grande: Your Path to Fresh, Quality Latin Delights!

At El Rio Grande, we're more than just a grocery store; we're a passionate community of food enthusiasts committed to serving you the finest Latin-inspired products. As the Dallas Fort Worth area's leading locally-owned Latin grocer, we take immense pride in our roots and family values.

Our dedicated team isn't just a workforce; they're family. Each member plays a pivotal role in our mission to nurture and uplift the communities we serve. And we're not stopping there - we're on a mission to redefine the future of food and create even better communities.

About the Position:
As a Category Manager/Buyer, you will be responsible for overseeing the procurement and strategic management of a specific product category or categories. This role plays a pivotal part in optimizing supplier relationships, driving cost-efficiency, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods or services. Your expertise in market analysis, negotiation, and supplier relationship management will be key to your success in this role.
Essential Functions:
1. Category Strategy:
Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with the organization's objectives.
Regularly analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and assess potential risks within the assigned categories.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business needs and objectives.
2. Supplier Management:
Identify, assess, and select suppliers based on criteria including cost, quality, reliability, and sustainability.
Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and adherence to quality standards.
Monitor supplier performance, promptly address issues, and drive continuous improvement.
3. Contract Management:
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with suppliers to establish clear terms and conditions.
Ensure compliance with contract terms and address deviations or issues as they arise.
Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to mitigate contract-related risks.
4. Cost Management:
Analyze cost structures and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
Regularly conduct price benchmarking and market analysis to identify opportunities for cost optimization.
Work closely with finance teams to track and report cost savings achieved through procurement activities.
5. Inventory and Stock Management:
Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with inventory management teams to ensure adequate stock availability.
Implement inventory optimization strategies, minimizing excess stock and shortages.
6. Relationship Building:
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Facilitate regular meetings with suppliers to discuss performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal teams to ensure effective communication and problem resolution.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or relevant 3 years of experience in related buying roles.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management, preferably within the retail industry.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, business management, and/or procurement software and tools is a plus.

Physical Demands:

Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 20% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment.

Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.