This role works directly with the UNFI wholesale and Cub category managers to identify items and quantities of items to buy on reduced cost to drive sales and profitability at Cub. This includes data mining sales history to ensure proper quantities are purchased for the various items. This role manages the inventory purchased to ensure it sells through timely and includes monitoring dates, working with CM’s for display and pricing at store level. There is significant planning involved on the front side of the process as well as significant detail level work to manage and monitor the process. The person in this role will require solid communication skills, retail knowledge and ability to work independently as well as working in conjunction with Category Managers.
This role requires consistent communications with UNFI wholesales buyers, category managers and others to ensure all the details are in place to get the best possible cost of goods on the inventory buys. There is some accounting work included to ensure proper costs are accounted for and deals are captured as planned.
Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Identifies current deals that we would be able to place additional orders that would enhance profitability and/or enable pricing below base retail for an extended time.
Identifies current deals or upcoming deals where shippers and pallet mods can be purchased for future display use
Works with Category Managers on large scale buying shows to maximize the deals available throughout the year providing recommended buying deals.
Works with and utilizes reporting from UNFI to identify buying opportunities.
Assists procurement buyers at wholesale with specific item, quantities, and timing of orders to be placed and monitors invoicing to ensure proper deals are processed.
Provides on-going intelligence and business updates to category managers as well as the Director of Center Store as it pertains to upcoming deals or deals that are ending
Monitors cost increases from vendors for potential to buy in at lower cost
Daily/Weekly communications with Category Managers to update on status of past purchases
Daily monitors invoices for proper deals and requests credits when needed
Contact for stores on specific store level requests for specialty and ethnic items.
Tracks current inventory of items purchased to ensure movement and dating are in line with expectations.
(Future) Coordinate and help convert specific private label items to Cub labels which includes working with private brand team, Category Manager and aligning minimum order quantities to have the items produced. This would also include working with private brand team on all legal requirements with labeling.
(Future) Monitors and tracks Cub specific labeled items for movement to ensure sell through of the minimum order requirements.
Financial tracking and reporting of current inventory levels and deal amounts to leadership each week.
Tracking and reporting specific item detail to Category Managers
Weekly reporting to leadership on current status and any potential issues or opportunities in coming weeks.
Monitors dating on purchases to ensure dating is not an issue
Scope
Number of Associates Supervised: Directly _______ Indirectly _______
Job Requirements
Relevant Experience, Education, Certification, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong Microsoft Excel knowledge and effective use
2 or more years merchandising/retail experience preferred
Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or Business preferred
Strong understanding of store operations and impacts of merchandising initiatives on stores
Understanding of procurement, logistics and inventory management practices
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in taking initiative and making appropriate decisions
Planning and organizing skills
Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the Company
Strategy development skills
Relationship management skills
Leads and coordinates buying activities per corporate guidelines
Ability to quickly learn and use new programs and software as needed
Physical Environment
Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location