Produce Buyer
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (Western/Springfield, Massachusetts)

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, is a privately owned company with annual sales of over $19 billion. With compounded double digit growth over the last several years we are currently the tenth largest privately held company in the nation, as ranked by Forbes magazine.

Founded in 1918, C&S provides wholesale food distribution to grocery chains as well as independent stores throughout the United States, delivering to over 4,100 grocery stores from its distribution centers in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, California and Hawaii.

Job Summary:
The primary purpose of this position is to maintain agreed upon service levels by customer while adhering to budgeted inventory levels. Engage with customers on service level and partner with vendors to successfully manage all aspects of product flow.

Job Responsibilities:

Procure product from branded and non branded vendors.Achieve targeted customer service level rates by monitoring, identifying, reacting to, communicating, and solving potential issues.Negotiate with vendors and customers to maximize product flow, manage inventory levels and coordinate action against close coded, expired and other unproductive inventory.Accomplish budgeted inventory levels, utilizing system tools to analyze and react to trends. Work with team-members to achieve established goals.Maintain ordering parameters and accurate manufacture and item information. Consistently validate forecasting and item information to ensure synchronization of customer and vendor systems.Collaborate with manufacturers, internal department, and support staff to accomplish both team and company goals.Interact with customers to communicate successes and resolve issues.Partner with the merchandising group on new items, maintenance, and achievement of gross profit goals.Work with the warehouse group on inbound order issues, returns, vendor recalls, and prioritization of loads.Participate in daily team meetings to ensure communication on implementation and status of company initiatives.Execute special assignments such as new business initiatives.Perform the critical role as a mentor within the team.Support department efforts during non traditional hours ensuring overall department goals are met.Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.Two years relevant grocery procurement experience required.Sound statistical acumen, interpretation and analytical ability. Professional verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize.

C&S offers excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, company paid life insurance, 401K with company contributions, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation and the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at C&S - An Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V