Vendor Manager

RUSSELL MCCALLS INC•Kenosha, WI

7d•$60,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Gourmet Foods International is seeking a Vendor Manager with a passion for artisan food to join its buying team, which brings innovative products to market. The role involves building relationships with artisan producers and helping them forecast and market gourmet products. The position is based at GFI Midwest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and is full-time, with a day shift and no stated travel percentage; however, domestic and international travel may be needed to visit key and new vendors.

Requirements

A college degree is required.
Organized supply management skills.
Ability to develop and maintain vendor relationships.
Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with internal departments, management, and vendors.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

3–5 years of food industry experience, preferably in imports.
Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with internal departments and external suppliers.
Analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
Experience working in a large, complex, multi-location distribution center organization.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
Ability to recognize future trends.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

Taste and source new artisanal and imported products.
Travel domestically and internationally to visit key and new vendors as needed.
Create purchase orders to support timely replenishment of all Distribution Centers.
Use negotiation skills to ensure the lowest cost to market.
Communicate with assigned vendors and/or the sales team to support optimal sales.
Monitor inventory at all Distribution Centers and complete transfers as appropriate to eliminate unnecessary food waste.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and brokers to support sourcing, bidding, negotiation, selection, approval, and quality of assigned product lines.
Maintain, improve, and monitor supplier and item data to ensure accuracy.