**Internal Only** Buyer, Purchaser, Merchandiser (Bpm)

***Please note this position is open to current employees only, at this time***

GENERAL PURPOSE

Provide leadership, business acumen, professionalism, systems knowledge, and strong relationship management skills to effectively execute the merchandising strategy of the company, through continuous evaluation of merchandise lines and categories to ensure the correct mix, pricing, inventory levels, and purchasing processes and procedures that support company goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate excellent communication internally & externally
• Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service, ensuring that the customer experience achieves The Grange Way standard
• Set pricing on all SKU's in the category to achieve maximum performance
• Ensure in-stocks as outlined for Core A, B, C & D items
• Analyze trends, historical data, and channels and make recommendations for seasonal strategies based on analysis
• Manage suppliers to achieve goals for complete and on-time delivery, quality, and cost reductions
• Establish effective supplier relationships and focus on development efforts for best total cost, delivery and quality
• Visit suppliers and negotiate contracts for goods, services, and supplies
• Evaluate supplier capacity and ability to meet quality requirements, specifications, costs and delivery dates
• Perform annual vendor reviews for quality assurance and risk
• Perform annual product line reviews to ensure performance of SKUs
• Monitor contractual obligations for compliance
• Resolve disputes with suppliers
• Assist in the development of commodity procurement strategy
• Facilitate standard procurement practices and procedures
• Create and manage category planograms to ensure the proper placement of product assortments in order to meet merchandising objectives
• Manage cross-functional team relationships by focusing on objectives and common goals
• Demonstrate the use of information-gathering techniques, analyzing situations and identifying implication in order to make correct decisions
• Demonstrate the ability to monitor progress and to make changes as required
• Participate in competitive analysis of competitors for trend inspiration by shopping their stores to evaluate product assortments, quality, pricing, merchandising strategies, and business opportunities
• Communicate with Marketing regarding issues that will affect marketing such as changes in lines or specific marketing tools needed
• Plan and select SKUs for each scheduled promotion, ensuring all SKU information is input into the promotional format at or before the established deadline
• Serve as the representative of the merchandising department by leading, focusing and inspiring team members to keep efforts on track with objectives
• Present category updates and information to the retail managers and senior management as appropriate
• Provide product knowledge training via development of internal training programs and scheduling vendor product knowledge training sessions
• Represent the co-op at trade shows, events and on product advisory boards
• Develop and grow purchasing relationships with neighboring cooperatives
• Identify, research and develop new product lines
• Participate in scheduled Retail, Outreach & Merchandising Meetings
• Conduct employee roundtables as needed
• Demonstrate adaptability to organizational changes in order to execute business strategy
• Establish merchandising vision for department, with approval of BPM Supervisor
• Merchandising project management for new items, planograms and resets
• Demonstrate regular predictable attendance
• Perform other tasks and duties as requested by supervisor

 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, or related field. And 3-5 years of salaried retail management at Grange Co-op or equivalent combination of education and experience

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors

 MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations

 REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in the most difficult phases
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables

OTHER SKILLS AND/OR ATTRIBUTES

• Proven record of success in supplier relationships, supplier development, and supplier management
• Proven record of the ability to handle multiple suppliers, products and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in negotiations producing cost-effective pricing and inventory results
• Experience meeting target goals and initiatives for cost-savings, inventory reduction, and payment terms
• Superior technical skills
• Superior written and verbal communications skills and the ability to communicate clearly to all levels within company, as well with vendors, clients, and other outside parties
• Results-driven
• Excellent prioritization organizational abilities
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency in Windows-based applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power Point
• Comprehensive understanding of the company and its products and services
• Ability to consistently and independently problem solve to meet objectives
• Ability to perform effectively and efficiently in both individual and team environments

**bilingual candidates encouraged to apply**