Buyer, Business

Imperial Trading Co., LLC is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Buyer/Category Manager to join the Elmwood, LA Purchasing Team! Skilled applicants will work in conjunction with the multiple departments and operations while initiating best practices for the procurement process. As a Buyer in the Wholesale Food Distribution industry, this position will play a crucial role in managing the procurement process to ensure that our inventory meets customer demand while optimizing costs.

The Buy's primary objective will be to source high-quality products from reliable suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and prices to enhance profitability, and will be responsible for analyzing market trends and supplier performance to make informed purchasing decisions that align with our business strategy. Additionally, qualified candidates will collaborate closely with various departments, including sales and inventory management, to forecast needs and streamline the purchasing process.

Ultimately, a solid work ethic will directly contribute to the overall efficiency and success of our New Orleans Team! We are proud that our Company has been in business for more than 100 years and continues expand as one of the nation's largest food distributors. It is an exciting time to join the Imperial Team!

• Wellness Program
• Employer paid basic life policy with competitive buy-up options
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match

• College degree or work experience equivalent
• Knowledge and understanding of purchasing processes
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel)
• E xcellent verbal and written communication skills; able to negotiate, establish and process contracts
• Able to multitask, prioritize and manage time efficiently
• Accurate and precise, attention to detail
• Able to make decisions in a fa st-paced environment
• Work independently and in a TEAM environment
• Dependable
• Self-Motivated
• Background in food service and convenience store inventory procurement preferred
• Travel up to 10% required for regional trade shows

Maintain optimum in-stock service levels to retailers and achieve inventory investment goals and profits; proactively have available the most comprehensive offering of products and services to enhance sales and profits

Additional duties which are necessary to carry out the function of the Category Manager may be assigned and are incorporated by reference into this job description.

• Primary duty includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance and is directly related to the management and general business operations of the Company and its customers;
• Responsible for executing all daily duties of replenishment buying, including but not limited to, administering vendor due orders, A level and regular sku order points, history exceptions, accurate promotional demand accuracy and plans;
• Timely and routinely compare service forecast to actual, inventory forecast to actual and service level accuracy; implement necessary modifications and measurable timeline strategies to maximize efficient inventory investment and service level performance;
• Responsible for demand forecast adjustments, accurate lead time analysis, implementation and modification of accurate seasonal profiles, and setting SKU buyer status;
• Analyze assigned vendor lines and categories to eliminate dead stock, slow selling items and sku duplication; responsible to identity, notify and implement, where necessary, sku substitutions;
• Liaison with operations on all sku related issues, including but not limited to, UPC’s, dead stock, vendor pickups, damages, new item slot requests;
• Responsible for accurate and timely set up of new products and promotions within appropriate categories, classes, components and sales forecast;
• Responsible for timely vendor bill backs for all relevant sales & marketing programs, including but not limited to allowances and sales spiffs, internal and external sample requests, and damages not invoiced from Innovative Return Concepts;
• Responsible for…