Purchasing Director
North Coast Co-op
Posted: Oct. 24, 2019
SUMMARY:
Responsible for the timely and cost-effective performance of purchasing functions, reporting results of those activities and providing category management, merchandising and pricing support services for retail departments. Responsible for developing strong relationships with our vendors and working within departments to ensure the effectiveness of promotional and pricing programs. Represent North Coast Co-op in National Co+op Grocers product promotions and purchasing programs. Works collaboratively as a member of the senior management team to achieve the goals of this cooperatively governed triple-bottom-line company.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (other duties may be assigned)
Develop and implement purchasing programs that decrease costs, improve efficiencies and create consistency between retail locations while adhering to purchasing policies, aligning with strategic plan goals and incorporating marketing strategies.
Oversee supplier relationships, including distributors, vendors, local growers and producers.
Oversee negotiation of contracts with suppliers for centralized product costs, delivery fees and payment terms for all locations; establish local farmer production timelines and quantities, annually.
Oversee purchasing, category management, pricing, and promotional activities; make recommendations to achieve retail department margin goals.
Serve as product promotions liaison to National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
Oversee implementation of NCG product promotions and purchasing programs according to contract and compliance standards; attend NCG’s annual Convergence conference and participate in other NCG events, web-conferences, and calls to stay apprised of program changes.
Oversee inventory counting activities, ensuring accurate records for accounting purposes; make recommendations to achieve retail department inventory turns goals.
Oversee organic certification process, ensuring compliance and re-certification.
Oversee development and implementation of food recall policies, protocols, and communications, in concert with the senior management team.
Coordinate, plan, and manage Purchasing department labor and expense budgets.
Provide leadership in emergency/accident situations.
Approach all decision making with environmental and social impact in mind, actively seek ways to improve sustainability efforts in day-to-day duties and assist in implementing applicable sustainability initiatives.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPETENCIES:
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in business administration, finance, supply chain management or related field and 5 years of experience with progressive responsibilities in purchasing and management
• Demonstrated success managing purchasing and inventory controls and achieving goals
• Experience negotiating contracts with suppliers for cost-saving results
• Proven success facilitating category management activities in a multi-department retail environment
• Proven success working collaboratively and effectively delegating responsibility in a team environment
• Experience working in a cooperative or other triple-bottom-line business structure a plus
• Proven ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Experience in the natural foods industry preferred
• Knowledge of information technology systems, experience with SMS a plus
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with others
• Willingness and ability to learn and to meet the changing requirements of the job
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Fast-paced retail floor and kitchens. Work near moving mechanical parts (i.e. coffee/juice machines, ovens, slicers, mixers, etc.) and in cold/hot climate conditions (i.e. cooler or near stove). Ability to work in moderate and loud noise environments including, but not limited to: computers, paging, telephones, human voices, and machinery.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and /or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are dependent on business needs. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
EEO STATEMENT:
North Coast Co-op provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, North Coast Co-op complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.