Center of the Plate Buyer

Senior Buyer

Center of the Plate Buyer is a senior buyer level position specializing in procurement of proteins. COP Buyer will focus on beef and pork. Experience with any fresh protein will transfer. Minimum of 2 years of buying experience required. Must be experienced in working with a sense of urgency & consistent attention to detail. Position will be responsible for purchasing fresh commodities such as boxed beef, fresh and frozen pork, ground beef, beef patties, cut steaks, and fresh and frozen lamb/veal.

Works with perishable items conducting daily date reviews, places PO's according to vendor lead times, monitors supply/demand and market conditions. Strong interpersonal communication skills preferred. This position will work collaboratively with the sales team.

Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more. Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America's food distribution system. Safe and inclusive working environment, including culture of rewards, recognition, and respect.

Coordinate and identify suppliers of product, negotiate price and quantity terms and establish long-term contracts to ensure adequate supply of high quality products for Food service Distribution at competitive prices. Maintain established service levels for product in-stock. Assist with special order requests. May assist with training. Functions as a team member within the department and organization, as required, and performs any duty assigned to best serve the company.

Select vendors based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of product; overall service level; responsiveness to the market as shown through product innovation; quality and value of product; relationships with competitors; and their understanding of the marketplace. Maintain relationships with vendors by resolving problems with invoicing, product, or delivery to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships. Select product based upon application to our market, product performance, alternate sources of supply, and overall reputation of vendor.

Negotiate prices and quantities ordered based upon customer orders, economic order point (volume discount vs. efficient utilization of warehousing space), promotion of product, and overall market conditions. Negotiate long-term contracts based upon same considerations and need for continuous supply. Service distribution centers for emergency situations through obtaining product and delivery on an expedient basis. Provides product and pricing information to sales force and make recommendations regarding pricing structure for product lines based upon volume and margin considerations.