Buyer, Produce

Position Summary:

Executes Produce sourcing and fulfillment plans that enable category growth for a specified division(s). Key accountabilities include managing higher risk inventory, ensuring market relevance in portfolio and competitiveness utilizing the proper mix of sourcing solutions including Markon, Specialty Companies and other local/regional product sources.  Acts as the primary supplier contact for inventory and supplier related business needs. 

Monitors KPIs related to Produce case growth, service level and product loss.  Closely monitors inbound receiving capacity and reserve storage capacity to ensure proper flow of inventory for GFS Operations. 

Communicate directly with the sales team to help promote sales knowledge and growth within the category.  Develop and maintain relationships with regional suppliers and suppliers key to the division. Provide support to the sales and merchandising teams with product sourcing and opportunity buys.

Successful candidate must be in commutable distance to the Winnipeg Distribution Centre.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for releasing Purchase Orders and replenishing key, high value, high risk, and high visibility items for GFS customers. 

• Maintains an awareness of current market conditions, causal factors (weather, seasonality, etc.), and product availability to properly maintain perishable inventory for our customers while avoiding product loss.

• Leads inventory management activities for product conversions, seasonal/one time buys, at-risk inventory.

• Collaborates with appropriate GFS departments including, but not limited to National Supply Chain; Divisional Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, Marketing, Capstone/transportation, Chain Specialist, and DC Operations to ensure proper inventory flow into and out of GFS distribution centers.

• Responsible for managing service level, days on hand and product loss for an assigned Category set.

• Collaborates with suppliers to solve quality and/or service problems; expedites deliveries as necessary. 

• Develops and maintains seasonal plans utilizing fulfillment software functionality. 

• Identifies root causes for inventory issues/out of stocks and collaborates with appropriate owners for resolution.

• Utilizes fulfillment software functionality available to set up and maintain perishable items in order to maximize service level while minimizing spoilage and liquidation.

• Implements and maintains business rules/processes for service levels, safety stock, buy multiples, capacity, inbound freight networks, etc.

• Performs vendor analysis on a regular basis. Identifies and executes changes to buying parameters in a highly efficient manner resulting in improved service levels, lower spoilage and liquidation and right sized inventory levels.

• Responsible for primary and alternate sourcing solutions for resolving shortage situations and identifying local sourcing opportunities for direct or fill in purchasing, utilizing fulfillment software functionality.

• Collaborates with Marketing, Regional Merchandising/inventory teams, Sales, Supply Chain and customers to meet all customer product needs, effectively plan future events, determine product trends, input new product requirements, and execute the close out of discontinued items.

• Aligns with, and supports enterprise procurement philosophies while meeting divisional business objectives

• Responsible for continuous improvement of professional skills including, but not limited to, JDA, Business Analytics (Microstrategy), Microsoft Office, Google and supply chain concepts.

• Communication with sales on quality and seasonal availability, training and product promotions.

• Supports new supplier and item set-up processes and system activities.

• Collaborates with the warehouse ‘produce’ inspector on receiving opportunities and quality issues. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Extensive Produce procurement  experience and product knowledge. Including from growing region source as well as local/regional terminal buying

• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel functions and Google applications. Must be extremely organized, analytical and possess highly developed written/oral communication, management, training and interpersonal skills.

• Human Relations - ability to work in teams, interact with others across departments/roles, develop relationships, etc.

• Communication - excellent written, verbal, organizational and communication skills.  This role will communicate with all levels of the organization including Managers, Directors and General Managers.

• Supply Chain Management - knowledge of principles and methods for moving goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits

• Self Management - self directed with ability to deal with distraction, repetition, prioritization, fluctuations in workload, ambiguity, etc.

• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, including  knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiply, divide and percentages).

• Time Management - ability to multitask, prioritize, and execute efficient work processes.

• Customer Service - knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.  The ability to provide excellent customer service to our internal customers. 

• Problem Solver - the ability to solve problems and develop solutions to a variety of complex problems by comparing, classifying, innovating, analyzing, coordinating, etc. Identifying root cause analysis by utilizing best practices and innovation.  May refer to established precedents and policies.

• Requires the ability to find creative replenishment/recovery solutions and quickly change directions as situations dictate.

• Product and Category - advanced knowledge of perishable supply chain principles and techniques.

• Ability to identify, resolve issues, and communicate concerns and successes to appropriate personnel in a highly professional and efficient manner.