Center of the Plate Buyer

PFG | Performance Good Group

10d

About The Position

Performance Foodservice, PFG’s broadline distributor, maintains a unique relationship with a variety of local customers, including independent restaurants and hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, and quick-service eateries. A team of sales reps, chefs, consultants, and other experts builds close relationships with customers — providing advice on improving operations, menu development, product selection, and operational strategies. The Performance team delivers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to help independent restaurant owners achieve their dreams. This Center of the Plate Buyer position is a Senior Buyer level role specializing in the procurement of proteins, focusing on beef and pork. The buyer will be responsible for purchasing fresh commodities such as boxed beef, fresh and frozen pork, ground beef, beef patties, cut steaks, and fresh and frozen lamb/veal. The role involves working with perishable items, conducting daily date reviews, placing POs according to vendor lead times, and monitoring supply/demand and market conditions. Strong interpersonal communication skills are preferred as this position will work collaboratively with the sales team.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of buying experience required.
Must be experienced in working with a sense of urgency & consistent attention to detail.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
2-4 years Procurement, warehouse and / or administrative experience in related area

Nice To Haves

Experience with any fresh protein will transfer.
Strong interpersonal communication skills preferred.
Minimum 2 years of Buyer experience in a foodservice distributor environment.
Experience buying in the protein category is a must.
Experience buying beef or poultry is strongly preferred.
Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Responsibilities

Coordinate and identify suppliers of product, negotiate price and quantity terms and establish long-term contracts to ensure adequate supply of high quality products for Foodservice Distribution at competitive prices.
Maintain established service levels for product in-stock.
Assist with special order requests.
May assist with training.
Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.
Select vendors based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of product; overall service level; responsiveness to the market as shown through product innovation; quality and value of product; relationships with competitors; and their understanding of the marketplace.
Maintain relationships with vendors by resolving problems with invoicing, product, or delivery to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships.
Select product based upon application to our market, product performance, alternate sources of supply, and overall reputation of vendor.
Negotiate prices and quantities ordered based upon customer orders, economic order point (volume discount vs. efficient utilization of warehousing space), promotion of product, and overall market conditions.
Negotiate long-term contracts based upon same considerations and need for continuous supply.
Service distribution centers for emergency situations through obtaining product and delivery on an expedient basis.
Provides product and pricing information to sales force and make recommendations regarding pricing structure for product lines based upon volume and margin considerations.