Title: Junior Buyer - Perishables

Location: 1645 Inkster Blvd, Winnipeg MB

Benefits of working at Arctic Co-ops include

• a competitive salary,
• annual vacation (accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation time in first year),
• employer-matched pension plan,
• comprehensive group benefits plan,
• career development opportunities,
• annual performance plans,
• hybrid work setup,
• and an environment where employees are encouraged, supported and recognized.

Position Summary

As a member of the Procurement and as a member of the broader organizational team, this position is instrumental in the delivery of continuous improvement efforts toward achieving and maintaining organization sales and service excellence.

Working in close co-operation with the members of the Procurement Department, Arctic Co-operatives personnel and the Member Co-operatives, the Junior Buyer –Perishables is responsible for assisting with the development of merchandising, marketing plans and programs for fresh and perishable departments. In this role, the individual will provide key point of sale products that will enable Member Co-operatives to provide top quality retail services to their members and customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for development of core assortments, sourcing special requests, marketing and the sales to the Member Co-ops and Subsidiaries for the assigned general merchandise commodities.
• Assist with ensuring merchandise reaches the Member Co-ops in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot issues with orders, shipments, and customer inquiries as they arise.
• Work closely with suppliers to develop Call to Orders (CTO), promotional flyer offers, trade show listings and opportunity buys and ensure orders are fulfilled by vendors.
• Assist in ensuring documentation for assigned categories are continually monitored, analyzed, reviewed, and updated. Maintain up to date and accurate program files, vendor information, price lists and deal sheets.
• Assist in completing analysis and reviews of the services, pricing and overall value that all suppliers provide to the Co-op System; including submission, tracking and filing of annual supplier volume/rebate agreements.
• Using reporting and tools as a guide, assist in the development of core assortments and CASMs within the assigned categories.
• Maintain effective supplier relationships and assist with negotiating supply programs, volume pricing and discount to ensure the best service and value are provided to the Co-op System.
• Meet with Co-op staff and management on site to train on product knowledge, customer service, product care and handling of the fresh product line.
• Work with the supply and logistics department to implement best practices in the storage and transportation of perishable merchandise to the co-op system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years experience in the retail industry with a focus on perishable commodities
• Degree or diploma in business administration or related field preferred
• Able to work in a multi tasking, fast paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Specific knowledge, training, and experience in several retail categories. Understanding of SKU rationalization, planograms, and merchandising for effective inventory turns and profitability.