Junior Buyer

Jetro / Restaurant Depot • Whitestone, NY

8d

About The Position

Restaurant Depot is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Junior Buyer to support purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory management, and category performance. The role supports purchasing for assigned food and non-food product categories to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, and efficient inventory management. The Junior Buyer works with vendors, category managers, warehouse operations, logistics, and other internal teams to coordinate purchasing, monitor inventory, analyze product performance, and maintain product flow. The position provides hands-on procurement and category-management experience and a development path intended to prepare successful candidates for advancement to Buyer within 12–18 months, based on performance and business needs.

Requirements

• Strong interest in developing a career in purchasing, procurement, or category management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across departments.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Hospitality, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous internship or professional experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, merchandising, or a related field.
• Familiarity with purchasing, inventory management, or ERP systems.
• Basic understanding of inventory forecasting, replenishment, and cost analysis.
• Exposure to vendor management, pricing analysis, or product sourcing.
• Knowledge of food safety, product quality standards, and food handling requirements.
• Experience in foodservice, wholesale distribution, retail, or another high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Support purchasing for assigned food and non-food product categories to maintain availability and meet sales demand.
• Create, process, and monitor purchase orders for accurate quantities and pricing and timely delivery.
• Review inventory levels, sales trends, and demand forecasts to support replenishment decisions.
• Monitor open purchase orders, product availability, and delivery schedules to minimize out-of-stock conditions.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, product information, and inventory documentation.
• Communicate with suppliers about product availability, pricing, lead times, and delivery expectations.
• Assist with vendor negotiations, pricing comparisons, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Monitor vendor performance and help resolve pricing, invoicing, delivery, and product discrepancies.
• Support new-vendor onboarding, product sourcing, and item setup.
• Help maintain competitive pricing, control costs, and support margin targets.
• Analyze sales trends, inventory movement, product performance, and seasonal demand.
• Prepare purchasing reports, pricing comparisons, and inventory analyses to support category decisions.
• Monitor product costs, margins, and market conditions to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain product specifications, supplier records, and purchasing data.
• Support category managers with assortment planning, promotional activities, and purchasing strategies.
• Work with warehouse, logistics, inventory control, and operations teams to support efficient product flow.
• Help resolve receiving discrepancies, product quality concerns, and inventory-related issues.
• Verify product specifications and support compliance with company quality standards, food safety requirements, and purchasing policies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on product launches, promotions, and operational initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off (PTO) in accordance with company policy.
• Six paid company holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement, subject to eligibility and plan guidelines.
• Additional voluntary supplemental benefits may include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and other optional benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level