Assistant Manager & Store Buyer

The Roots Farm Market
903 US ROUTE 2
MIDDLESEX , VT 05602
United States

Description

We are seeking a motivated and organized Assistant Manager / Store Buyer to support the day-to-day operations of the store while playing a key role in product selection, purchasing, and inventory management. This position combines hands‑on retail leadership with a strong eye for quality, value, and customer demand, ensuring the store is well‑stocked with products that align with our brand and customers’ needs.

The ideal candidate is a proactive team player with strong organizational, communication, and decision‑making skills who enjoys creating an engaging shopping experience while contributing to the store’s overall success.

Buying/Ordering & Receiving:

• Manage all aspects of the purchasing/receiving/inventory workflow, making sure to create POs, receive, check in, and update inventory for all anticipated deliveries in given Product Portfolio
• Communicate and facilitate receiving with other Buyer, Manager, and/or Owner if deliveries will occur outside of one’s specific schedule
• Balance and maintain a varied ordering schedule (weekly, semi‑monthly, etc) depending on vendors and needs of specific item
• Maintain a well‑stocked store by consistently ordering/reordering from our current vendor list
• Problem solve alternative channels for product sourcing if existing offerings exceed budget or become unavailable
• Stay up‑to‑date on customer preferences and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly
• Communicate regularly with local vendors to maintain consistency in store product stock
• Establish and cultivate new relationships to increase the presence and diversity of local products in the store in line with the store’s philosophy and mission
• Keep up to date about industry/regional trends, and regularly sample new local and regional products to add to store product portfolio
• Research and visit other establishments and attend occasional buying events for purchasing inspiration
• Plan vendor tastings, demos, etc. to promote new products in store
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors on an ongoing basis

Inventory Management & Pricing Strategy:

• Monitor stock levels, create reports and analyze sales trends and adjust orders to minimize waste and maximize profitability
• Explore and develop expertise in the Inventory System (Shopventory) to maximize efficiency and improve systems store‑wide
• Take initiative in setting competitive pricing, maintaining margins, developing promotions, all in line with market trends
• Communicate and delegate updating of signage to store team members when prices change
• Ensure all purchased goods meet store standards in terms of freshness, quality, condition, and aesthetics
• Delegate price‑gunning and barcoding (where applicable) to ensure that products are accurately priced before stocking; work with management to ensure any barcode books or lists are updated
• Stay on top of expiration dates and product quality, conducting and/or delegating regular expiration checks to store team members on a regular basis

Store Tasks:

• Continue to Interact regularly with customers at register and complete customer transactions as needed
• Maintain a frequent presence on the store floor to create connection with staff and customers, a welcoming atmosphere, and help support an overall positive energy in the store
• Support other team members at the register during busier store hours
• Help maintain quality within each area of the store by making sure product and produce displays are fresh, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing
• Support Store Manager and Owner in handling customer queries, requests, unanticipated issues, and complaints
• Maintain proper stocking and aesthetic protocols according to store standards and SOPs
• Keep walk‑in organized & accounted for in general, and with particular emphasis on Buyer’s specific product portfolio
• Restock products, bag, and clean as needed

Admin & Communication:

• Maintain accurate records of purchases, invoices, and vendor agreements
• Communicate regularly with Manager & Owner about questions and needs
• Communicate frequently with all staff via Slack regarding product updates/info and other relevant vendor…