Product Specialist (Buyer) - Fresh Produce & Poultry

Conexus Food Solutions • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

This role needs to utilize category expertise and vendor specific knowledge to manage inventory levels for all assigned items, suppliers and/or categories while maintaining service level targets to our customers across multiple distribution centers. Responsible for delivering forecast accuracy and forecasting per defined goals by SKU and/or product family. Collaborate with logistics operations, category management, markets, and suppliers to understand Best Food Services optimized supply chain opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum 1- 3 years of purchasing and/or related work in the procurement or logistics field, produce experience preferred.
• Prior purchasing and/or logistics environment experience working in a large fast paced foodservice strongly desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent analytical skills, demonstrate a keen attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, be able to communicate with vendors and cross-functional.
• Knowledge of freight concepts and vendor pricing preferred.
• Must be able to manage successful relationships with product and transportation providers/suppliers.
• MS Office proficiency including Word, Outlook, Excel required .
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• produce experience preferred
• Prior purchasing and/or logistics environment experience working in a large fast paced foodservice strongly desired
• Knowledge of freight concepts and vendor pricing preferred

Responsibilities

• Deliver on KPI’s for desk specific goals such as: Service Level, Days-Inventory-On-Hand (DIOH), Excess and Obsolete Inventory (E&O), Spoilage and freight income.
• Proactively review projected out of stock report daily
• Create efficient purchase orders with our suppliers by analyze economic order quantities, forecasts, lead times, vendor set-up, safety stock etc.
• Communicate closely with our cross-functional partners to capture seasonal trends and events in the business as well as drive profitability with accurate costs.
• Partner appropriately with product/category management team to maintain supplier relationship and proper accountability.
• Evaluate inbound volume and purchase history to collaborate with warehouse operation on efficient receiving practices; Review or calculate the items cost and sign to confirm it.
• Confirm all purchase orders accurately using vendor confirmation as well verifying this cost using the loaded vendor price list.
• Clear any costing discrepancies between the received PO’s and vendor invoice.
• Assist Import Clerk to follow up FDA/USDA status.
• Work with vendors to reconcile any discrepancies to achieve PO cost accuracy % on the buyers KPI scorecard.
• Review all daily cost exception report and take appropriate action to ensure all costing data is accurate and up to date
• Coach, and be the go-to person for junior Product Specialist on day to day function.
• Other duties assigned by supervisor.
• Out-of-business hours support may be required.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to help you and your family stay healthy.
• Dental Insurance – Preventive care and treatments to keep your smile bright.
• Vision Insurance – Coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contacts.
• Pet Insurance – Help ensure your furry friends are covered for unexpected medical expenses.
• Life Insurance – Financial protection for your loved ones in the event of the unexpected.
• 401(k) Plan – Save for your future with access to a retirement savings plan.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match: Save for your future and grow your retirement savings with company contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed