Food Buyer / Merchandiser

Are you looking for a career and not just any regular job?

 

Southeast Frozen Foods is a forty-seven year old company.  It is the largest exclusive distributor of frozen food products in the southeastern United States.  The company's distribution centers are located in South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida.  Serving the food industry for nearly half a century, Southeast is an experienced, established leader in food storage and distribution.  Southeast supplies independent and regional supermarket chains in sixteen states and exports to the Caribbean and Central America.

 

We have the following career opportunity open.  This position will be located in either our Medley (Next to Doral), or North Miami, FL distribution center.


Food Buyer / Merchandiser

 

 

 

Job Summary:

 

To work as a member of the purchasing team to procure inventory and expedite purchase orders.  To obtain quotes, generate and process requisitions, and maintain related records.  Develops and communicates merchandising activities to maximize category sales and profits.  Ensures accuracy and conformity with established procurement policies and procedures.  Handles maintenance of an up-to-date filing system on pricing and vendors to ensure immediate and accurate access to information.

 

 

Reporting Function:

 

The Buyer/Merchandiser will report directly to the Director of Buying.

 

 

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

 

1.

Daily replenishment of inventory and order expediting with a specific service level objective.

 

 

2.

Provide weekly, bi-weekly and monthly promotional suggestions and planners to support events and advertising for our major customers.  Select products to be featured that will generate the greatest sales and profits.

 

 

3.

Successfully negotiate with vendors to maximize promotional support for ads and merchandising events.

 

 

4.

Achieve specific profit margins related to price changes, forward buys, new item introductions, cost brackets, etc.

 

 

5.

Inventory management to ensure specific annual turns, product freshness and minimal out of stocks.

 

 

6.

Evaluates vendors for maximum profitability and service performance.  Effectively negotiates changes to increase performance.

 

 

7.

Perform category and vendor reviews based on a preset schedule and when new items are considered.  Capable of making factual and persuasive presentations.

 

 

 

8.

Regular communication with Sales, Warehouse and Transportation to ensure product and merchandising plans are understood and executed to meet a common goal.

 

 

9.

Continual evaluation of new items and sources that will offer our accounts a competitive advantage.

 

10.

Maintains a thorough knowledge of assigned products, categories and vendors.  Keeps up to date on market trends and customer demographics.

 

10.

Complete special projects as assigned.

 

 

 

 

Requirements for Position:

 

A.

Minimum Experience Level:

 

 

 

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education.

 

 

 

Five years of practical buying experience in the retail/wholesale food industry with a proven track record. Category experience is a plus!

 

 

 

Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.  Previous experience utilizing purchasing applications.  Experience with AS/400 and Evant systems is very beneficial.

 

 

B.

Essential Functions:

 

 

 

Ability to compute mathematical formulas for business applications (gross profit, margin, inventory turns, cash discount, service level).

 

 

 

Ability to read and discern information from various sources whether printed or electronic in nature.

 

 

 

Effective verbal and written communication skills to convey information internally and externally in a concise professional manner.

 

 

C.

Competencies:

 

 

 

Communicates confidently and timely with superiors, peers, suppliers and customers both, orally and in writing.  Keeps other departments informed of developments affecting their functions. 

 

 

 

Must be well organized and able to carry out assignments with moderate supervision.  Displays excellent time-management and organizational skills.

 

 

 

Displays a productive assertiveness and can skillfully negotiate and win concessions without damaging relationships.

 

 

 

Ability to multi-task and handle work pressures while maintaining focus and staying on track with company and individual goals.

 

 

 

Sound analytical ability.  Handles mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.  Can critically review documents, think inductively and deductively and draw conclusions from limited or related information.

 

 

 

Uses intelligent reasoning to solve difficult problems and can offer effective solutions.  Is a seasoned decision-maker, and gives careful attention to cost implications of decisions.

 

 

Our dynamic organization offers a highly competitive salary; excellent benefits package, and potential for personal growth and advancement.

For consideration send resume and salary history to: jobs@seff.com

Other career opportunities, visit us at www.seff.com

Southeast Frozen Foods Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

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