Buyer

Category/Area of Expertise: Merchandising
Job Requisition: 404932_external_USA-MA-Quincy
Address: USA-MA-Quincy-1385 Hancock Street
Store Code: Fresh - Produce/Floral - Brands (5149342)

At Stop & Shop, we are dedicated to creating and maintaining a culture where the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our associates are celebrated, and all associates feel they belong and thrive. We work as one team to break down barriers, put the customer first and show that we care for our customers, communities and each other. At Stop & Shop, we're here to feed all of life's moments, and we've made a promise to our customers to help them make the small wins possible every day.

The Buyer III will be responsible for all cost negotiation, price & capacity discovery, and overall inventory management of assigned categories. This includes direct accountability for cost of goods to ensure overall financial goals are being met, manage service levels objectives to ensure timely delivery of products to the stores, and maximize inventory turns to optimize our working capital. This position must also maintain a strong working relationship with category management teams to ensure optimal supply chain execution of the commercial plan.

• Responsible for the management of the procurement function to include cost negotiation, price & capacity discovery, product sourcing, purchase order creation, and product flow path determination including internal distribution and Direct Store Delivery (DSD). This position will work directly with the category management and sourcing teams in the negotiation activities of contracts, supplier agreements, and long-term deals, while managing overall targeted inventory levels. This role will be directly accountable to deliver top quality products (per the product specifications) to our stores at the best net landed cost.
• Establish and maintain an integrated process with category management teams to ensure that tactical and strategic objectives are being executed as it relates to procurement relative to the commercial plan.
• Maintain a keen awareness and knowledge base of global and local market conditions. Provide daily and weekly updates to supply chain, quality assurance and category management teams so strategic decisions can be made relative to the commercial plan
• Determine and execute promotional buys to support brand specific promotional plans. This will include procurement of advertised items and/or any special event that will create incremental demand on the supply chain.
• Seek opportunity buys to drive incremental sales and margin improvements by working with the supplier community. This will also require working with the category management teams to determine brand-specific product placement and feasibility if outside of regular demand patterns.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with our vendor community to ensure unbiased treatment during unfavorable market conditions. This will ensure Stop & Shop will receive an equitable distribution of products in unyielding market conditions.
• Manage and develop assigned Buyer Is and IIs. This will include setting service level objectives, inventory turn targets, and freshness level targets. Recommend, suggest, and encourage personal development strategies that support and strengthen personal and business effectiveness.
• Must be highly motivated, independent performer, and able to set own priorities in concert with overall company goals and strategy.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience
• Produce experience preferred but not required
• Cost negotiation experience
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Inventory management experience
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• The ability to be in the Quincy office 3 days a week

Stop & Shop is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.