Grocery Buyer

About the Company and Role

Food World Plus operates a spacious 176,000 sq ft store located in Mississauga, Ontario, dedicated to delivering quality products to consumers. The company emphasizes maintaining robust supplier partnerships and implementing efficient procurement strategies. They prioritize responsible sourcing, staying updated on industry trends, and supporting a wide-ranging assortment of products.

Position Overview

The Grocery Buyer will play a pivotal role in managing the procurement functions of the store. This candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and negotiation capabilities, substantial experience in supplier management, and a solid background in buying and inventory planning.

Primary Responsibilities

• Source and select products by identifying new items and suppliers through comprehensive market research, participation in trade fairs, and review of industry publications.
• Develop and sustain relationships with both new and current vendors to negotiate pricing structures, discounts, and delivery timelines.
• Oversee inventory and demand by monitoring stock quantities, forecasting needs based on sales patterns, and collaborating with warehouse teams to ensure smooth inventory flow.
• Evaluate costs and profit margins to establish competitive retail pricing that aligns with profitability goals.
• Inspect incoming deliveries to verify compliance with quality and safety standards, addressing any issues such as damaged or incorrect shipments promptly.
• Manage administrative responsibilities such as processing purchase orders, authorizing invoice payments, and maintaining precise inventory records using POS systems.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales figures and market developments for strategic buying decisions.
• Proven negotiation expertise to reach mutually beneficial agreements with suppliers.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food industry segments like produce and ethnic groceries, including consumer behavior insights.
• Proficiency with inventory management tools such as SAP, JDA, Produce Pro, and familiarity with Microsoft Excel and POS platforms.
• A bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related disciplines is preferred, though significant relevant industry experience may substitute this requirement.

What We Provide

• A competitive remuneration package.
• A cooperative and encouraging team atmosphere.
• Exposure to a diverse product assortment and varied supplier interactions.
• Opportunities for professional advancement and skill development.