Associate Buyer II (Grocery)

H-E-B•San Antonio, TX

44d

About The Position

Getting the right products at the right price in the right Store at the right time is no small task. That's what our Merchants do every day. They bring expertise in the areas of procurement, merchandising, culinary, analysis, pricing, quality assurance, demo programming, and inventory planning. As an Associate BDM II or Associate Buyer II, you'll work with a BDM / Buyer to gain expertise on product assortment, placement, purchase, price negotiation, distribution, cost negotiation, reacting to customer demand, and planning future category strategy. You'll be assigned higher-complexity work in category, supply chain, and vendor management. Once you're eligible, you'll become an Owner in the company, so we're looking for commitment, hard work, and focus on quality and Customer service. 'Partner-owned' means our most important resources--People--drive the innovation, growth, and success that makes H-E-B The Greatest Omnichannel Retailing Company. Do you have a: HEART FOR PEOPLE... ability to persuade with negotiating and communication skills? HEAD FOR BUSINESS... acumen to execute product strategy? PASSION FOR RESULTS... drive to provide proactive solutions with limited direction / input?

Requirements

Degree in business, economics, marketing, or related field preferred
5+ years of experience in business, merchandising / retail, or Store Operations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Ability to multi-task and perform under pressure
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
Strong working knowledge of product information data flow (item, vendor, cost, price), category trends, promotional planning, category performance analysis, systems, process, and analysis
Advanced verbal / written communication and presentation skills
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong negotiating, influencing, and interpersonal skills
Strong organization and project management skills
PC skills (MS Office and job-related software / programs)
Ability to manage multiple priorities / deadlines and shift focus between tasks; attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams and company-wide initiatives
Ability to navigate the organization and solve problems within / across departments
Ability to recommend proactive solutions with limited direction and input
Business acumen; initiative; willingness to take risks
Strategic thinking and leadership
Function in a fast-paced, retail, office environment
Travel by car or plane with overnight stays
Work extended hours; sit for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Experience with merchandising software systems is a plus
someone with business acumen, and willing to take risks

Responsibilities

Provides strategic contributions to assigned category
Contributing by offering advice to all buying and merchandising activities related to specific assigned categories, with a BDM / Buyer trainer
Develops the market trends strategy and influences the best buying practices, merchandising, pricing, promotion strategies, growth, and development of assigned categories
Makes decisions on assortment, product placement, distribution, and subsequent financial results
Works collaboratively and drives strategic initiatives with Shelf Edge, Supply Chain, Product Information, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, Pricing, Store Operations and other related areas
Oversees the management of more complex cost negotiation activities with vendors
Ensures products are competitively priced, meeting price image / financial objectives
Guides the buyer with the selection of the right product mix
Leads the process of the writing, placing, and tracking purchase orders
Ensuring products are purchased at the right time, to specification and at a good price
Develops / works collaboratively with BDMs and Buyers to develop category strategies
Oversee the management of cost and retail relationships to support marketing and merchandising strategies
Leads the Department-wide projects and new initiatives from concept to implementation. as assigned
Ensures consistent communication materials and branding throughout procurement programs and processes, policies, and other H-E-B initiatives
Responsible for the organization's buying and merchandising strategies.
Accurately forecasts trends and monitors performance to establish overall product assortment strategy
Recommends new suppliers and making recommendations to the buyer
Manages the preparation of the budgets and forecasting purchasing trends