Co-op Purchasing and Merchandising Specialist

Full-time (30-40 hrs/week) position available.  Shifts are Tuesday-Saturday.  Hours to be determined.  

Purpose: With the Purchasing and Merchandising Manager, lead the oversight and optimization of retail category performance including packaged grocery, refrigerated/frozen, bulk, wellness, beer, wine, cheese, and mercantile. Support purchasers in data analysis, category resets, and purchasing/receiving duties.

Specific Responsibilities of Purchasing and Merchandising Specialist

Category Management

• Analyze industry and consumer trends and competitor activities; develop product, promotion, placement, and pricing strategies in collaboration with Purchasing & Merchandising, Marketing, and Scan Managers and purchasing team, to increase sales and margin dollars.
• Evaluate customer feedback and implement changes to enhance the overall customer experience and drive customer loyalty.
• Lead category resets through evaluation of available data (item movement, SPINS data, out of stocks, etc.) and collaborate with purchasers on assortment and merchandising strategy to optimize category performance.
• Evaluate suppliers, investigate new product sources, and review new item suggestions from purchasers.

Purchasing and Inventory Maintenance

• Be a backup for and meet established deadlines of the NCG Promotions Liaison role and Purchaser orders as needed.
• Effectively use tools and follow established systems for all steps of inventory control, purchasing, and receiving orders for all Retail Operations departments.  
• Take active leadership role in maintaining inventory processes and ensuring accurate inventory; participate in cycle counts and scheduled inventories as directed.
• Communicate with Purchasing Team about inventory levels, expiration dates, and product concerns.
• Develop and maintain cordial and professional relations with vendors, solicit suppliers for promotional offerings, and ensure returns and credit from suppliers where applicable.
• Purchase product for the CWM Warehouse as directed.
• Research, purchase, and manage merchandising fixtures and tools.
• Adhere to CFC Purchasing Policy.

Stocking, Promotions, and Merchandising

• Ensure shelves/coolers are efficiently and accurately stocked, prioritizing key items and with awareness of product rotation, dating, shelf appearance, out-of-stocks, and facings.
• Under the guidance of the Purchasing & Merchandising Manager, work with the Marketing Manager and the Scan Manager to implement and support advertising and promotions programs and special events.
• Coordinate cross-departmental promotions and merchandising; support the sampling program.
• Help plan and implement floor sets, end caps, signage, and other merchandising tasks and projects.

Other

• Operate manual and electric jacks and forklift following all safety protocols to protect people, products, equipment, and facilities; maintain forklift certification.
• Obtain and maintain crown stacker certification as directed.  
• Assist manager in relaying communication to the purchasing team and other departments.
• Cashier as directed; maintain alcohol certification.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and visit competitors as assigned.
• Complete other projects and duties as assigned.

• Experience in a retail sales, purchasing, or a warehouse setting that demonstrates the ability and aptitude to successfully meet expectations listed above.
• Excellent communication, prioritization, and organization skills, and strong attention to detail required.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, employees, vendors, and the public.
• Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, experience with Excel, Word, internet and email required.
• Analytical mindset with experience interpreting data and making data-driven decisions preferred; category management experience preferred.
• Forklift certification required (may be obtained upon hire).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; early morning, daytime, evening, holiday, and weekend shifts required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. throughout shift, occasionally up to 50 lbs; ability to stand for long periods and to bend and twist repeatedly; ability to lift product overhead and/or to climb ladders with product.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer and work in a shared office space.