Buyer (Produce)

About Us

Join us at WinCo Foods, where we're more than just a grocery retailer - we're a growing family of over 140 supermarkets in 10 states with over 22,000 employee owners. Our purpose is to make the lives of our customers and employee owners better by offering the lowest possible prices to feed their families. Currently, WinCo is the second largest Employee-Owned company in the United States. With more than 500 millionaire employee-owners in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Our benefits, including top-tier medical plans and tuition support set us apart. In your role, you'll be instrumental in making a real impact in the communities we serve, embodying our purpose every day.

Overview

WinCo Foods is hiring for a Buyer to work with a focus on our Fresh Produce.

Job Summary

The Buyer works under the supervision of the Buying Manager and is responsible for the daily management of assigned vendors and categories. Procures, controls and manages the inventory for assigned lines. Maintains an acceptable product service level to meet promotional, seasonal and daily needs. Responsible for new item selection and implementation and overall category profitability. Investigates cost reductions and negotiates cost savings with vendors. Perform related work.

Typical Duties And Responsibilities

• Procures assigned product lines, working to maximize overall profitability.
• Completes data entry with accuracy and extreme attention to detail to maintain SKU integrity.
• Maintains proper inventory levels to ensure high service levels and minimal out-of-stocks.
• Communicates effectively with retail operations, retail pricing, advertising, space management and other departments functioning as a liaison of the Buying Department.
• Keeps key internal teams informed of promotions, cost advantages, product availability, market trends and vendor and item changes.
• Cultivates effective relationships with suppliers and sales representatives.
• Investigates alternative distribution and cost options to achieve further savings.
• Negotiates with suppliers to achieve the most competitive pricing in order to secure an aggressive difference in pricing versus the market competition via special buys, backhaul agreements and vendor programs.
• Initiates, manages and ensures timely completion of category reviews.
• Continually assesses market competition by comparing WinCo’s product strategy with the industry including competitive store product mix checks on a regular basis.
• Tracks and measures sales and profitability of assigned lines and performs analysis to determine impact on overall category profitability.
• Completes additional projects as requested.
  
  

Requirements

Education:

• Associates Degree or equivalent work experience in grocery procurement or closely related field.
• Preferred – Bachelor’s Degree.
  
  

Experience

• 4 years of experience in grocery retail buying or related field
• Produce buying experience preferred
• Understanding USDA quality guidelines
  
  

Ability To

• Multi-task and work in a fast-paced, multiple-priority environment.
• Be extremely self-motivated, take initiative and drive results.
• Travel as needed to meet business needs.
• Be available to respond to calls on urgent matters involving including after business hours, on weekends and holidays if necessary.
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of personnel may vary.

EEO/Inclusivity

As WinCo Foods continues to grow, our diversity—from our variety of perspectives and wide range of experiences—is essential to our strategy and success. We are committed to continue to cultivate and celebrate an inclusive environment in which all employees are valued and respected regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.