Grocery Bulk Buyer

Job Title:Grocery Bulk Buyer (GBB)

Department: Grocery

Accountability: Grocery Manager (GM)

Job Summary: Responsible for ordering bulk, updating signage, creating and maintaining bulk department cleaning schedule, and overseeing bulk inventory

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Customer Experience

• GBB is expected to model and provide excellent customer service at all times, both with customers and vendors.
• Communicates clearly, effectively, and respectfully to all staff. Develops teamwork within the department by maintaining a high level of two-way communication. Works cooperatively with others to recognize our common goal of an excellent customer experience and success for the whole store.
• Provides informative feedback to customers and staff about products and promotions. Responds in a timely manner to customer requests.

Operations

• Place orders in a timely manner to meet the deadlines for delivery set by our suppliers within guidelines set by the Grocery Manager
• Receive deliveries following established procedures with GR (Grocery Receiver)
• Ensure updated pricing is maintained in system through communication with pricing coordinator and review of invoices for pricing changes
• Monitor for mispicks, product outs, wrong deliveries, etc
• Manage inventory by evaluating sell through, developing pricing strategy to move items, minimizing OOS/OOD, and maintaining competitive image
• Work with Grocery Manager to set sales, margins, spoilage, and labor goals for the department
• Assist Grocery manager in complying with NCG procedures and policies regarding purchasing, new items, and demos
• Develop and track approved short- and long-term departmental goals
• Work with Grocery Manager in developing seasonal assortment strategy to maximize sales and minimize OOS/overstock issues on seasonal items
• Evaluate trends in the marketplace
• Research new companies and products to ensure new products meet our Product Guidelines
• Negotiate with suppliers when appropriate to ensure we obtain best pricing and best instock position possible
• May train employees on all aspects of bulk operations including stocking, rotation, cleaning, maintenance, and receiving
• Participate in ongoing educational opportunities - online training through NCG etc
• Assist in coordinating and completing quarterly inventory for Center Store
• Stock displays, shelves, bins, coolers, and freezers fully without overcrowding; face items on shelves, ensure tasks are completed correctly by the center store team.
• Complete grocery daily chores as needed
• Responsible for ensuring that the bulk department is clean, in orderly condition, meeting health dept. standards and all areas are fully stocked, rotated, signed, and faced according to established procedures.
• Accountable for creating, maintaining, and implementing regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance processes for the bulk department.
• Identify and address departmental issues in a solution oriented manner, working with leadership to resolve issues as applicable.

Safety and Security

• Use equipment and materials properly in a safe manner that will not lead to injury or self or others.
• Protect the safety of self, co-workers, and Co-op customers at all times.
• Report any potential safety issues to the immediate supervisor or MOD without delay.
• Report all safety related incidents/accidents/injuries immediately to managerial staff / MOD.
• Follow all health and safety policy procedures, and help to enforce these throughout the store.

Other duties as delegated by management, including:

• Attend meetings and events as requested
• Ensure equipment repair and maintenance is communicated to appropriate personnel - make adjustments until repairs are complete.
• Demonstrate support for co-op values and principles daily.
• Perform other duties and assist other departments as assigned.
• Know and uphold the Employee Handbook consistently.

INTERACTION

External: Daily contact with customers

Daily contact with delivery staff

Daily contact with vendors and brokers

Internal: Daily contact with fellow staff members

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently
• Ability to use computer keyboard, monitor, mouse, telephone, and various office equipment continuously.
• Ability to be present and working in assigned areas for up to 3 hours continuously without rest.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, climb stairs or ladders
• Ability to reach above shoulder height
• Ability to talk and hear to communicate with customers and staff
• Finger and hand dexterity with ability to grasp and hold items of different sizes
• Vision ability - close, distance, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Ability to read register screen and product and shelf labels

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent exposure to cold, hot, wet, or humid conditions
• Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, hazardous materials ranging from natural to chemical (store products, cleaning products, scents from working in a public setting)
• Handling objects that have been handled by the public
• Occasional temperature extremes (walk-in freezer, outside building, etc)
• Moderate noise level throughout store

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with natural foods
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Experience with POS systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to handle multiple demands
• Able to work effectively independently and collaboratively with teams
• Ability to prioritize and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to accept responsibility and accountability
• Ability to communicate objectively, clearly and respectfully
• Language Ability - comprehend complex instructions, correspondence and memos. Communicate effectively and respectfully in oral or written form to staff and customers of diverse backgrounds. Effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to employees and customers.
• Math Ability - Add and subtract two digit numbers. Perform calculations using units of US currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
• Reasoning Ability - apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Prioritize work tasks, multi-task, and maintain focus.
• Computer Skills - use email, website, time clock, and other work related programs proficiently.
• Attendance and Punctuality - consistently report to work on time to work scheduled shifts.
• Dependability - respond appropriately to management direction. Commit to department goals and expectations. Complete tasks on time.
• Quality of work - demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness. Look for ways to improve and promote quality. Apply feedback to improve performance. Monitor own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - work quickly and accurately with a sense of urgency. Meet productivity standards. Strive to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Adaptability - ability to adapt to new situations and new duties as delegated by management