The Assistant Grocery Buyer plays a key role in supporting the growth and operations of a specialized foods department, focusing on Asian grocery products. This full-time opportunity is designed for individuals with a passion for the grocery and retail industry, particularly those interested in international and speciality foods. The position offers direct, hands‑on experience in product discovery, purchase order management, inventory control, vendor communication, merchandising, and customer service within a dynamic retail environment. Working closely with the department buyer, the Assistant Grocery Buyer helps ensure the department maintains an exciting and well-stocked selection, meeting the evolving needs of customers while upholding the standards of quality and freshness.
As an Assistant Grocery Buyer, you will be responsible for supporting daily purchasing functions, maintaining accurate inventory records, and building strong vendor relationships. Your role will involve creating and submitting purchase orders for a diverse range of Asian food products, monitoring inventory levels, and working collaboratively with merchandising and operations teams to ensure efficient product flow from delivery to shelf. You will also play an active role on the sales floor, assisting with product rotation, shelf recovery, and customer engagement to deliver a welcoming and informative shopping experience.
This position is ideal for a detail‑oriented professional with experience or a keen interest in grocery, retail, food purchasing, and merchandising. Familiarity with ordering systems, inventory management solutions, and the latest trends in Asian and international foods is highly valued. Strong organisational skills, analytical abilities, and clear communication are essential, as you will interact regularly with vendors, customers, and internal teams to optimize product selection and department performance.
The Assistant Grocery Buyer position offers a supportive team atmosphere and a pathway for professional development. You will gain exposure to a broad range of retail operations, including category management, vendor negotiations, promotional planning, and merchandising initiatives. If you are enthusiastic about international foods and eager to advance your career in grocery buying, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and grow within a reputable retailer committed to customer service and innovation.
Assistant Grocery Buyer - Summary
- Assist in sourcing, purchasing, and managing a wide variety of Asian grocery products.
- Support department buyer in maintaining optimal inventory levels and product assortment.
- Engage in hands‑on merchandising, product rotation, and sales floor operations.
- Foster positive relationships with vendors and internal teams for smooth department operations.
- Contribute to a customer‑focused environment with a commitment to quality and service.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Create and submit purchase orders for assigned products, ensuring accuracy in quantities, pricing, and delivery schedules.
- Monitor product movement and inventory, addressing out‑of‑stocks and shelf conditions promptly.
- Work on the sales floor to support merchandising, shelf recovery, and customer service.
- Receive, check, organize, and rotate grocery products following food safety and quality standards.
- Analyze sales trends, seasonal demand, and customer feedback to identify ordering needs.
- Communicate with vendors regarding product availability, pricing, order status, and new opportunities.
- Assist with product research, new item setups, and vendor sampling.
- Identify and help address slow‑moving or excess inventory, recommending actions to improve turnover.
- Participate in promotional planning, display execution, and seasonal merchandising initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records of products, purchase orders, vendors, and pricing.
- Collaborate across merchandising, receiving, and operations teams for efficient product flow.
- Engage with customers, answer product questions, and deliver a positive shopping experience.
- Support additional buying and department responsibilities as needed.
Salary & Benefits
- Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
- Paid Vacation Time
- 401(k) Plan
- Employee Discount
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- Direct experience in purchasing, vendor relations, category management, and retail operations
Qualifications & Requirements
- Previous experience in grocery, retail, food purchasing, merchandising, receiving, or inventory preferred
- Interest in Asian foods and international grocery product trends
- Experience with purchase orders, ordering systems, or inventory management is a plus
- Strong attention to detail in reviewing product information, pricing, and order accuracy
- Analytical skills for assessing sales activity and inventory levels
- Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities in a fast‑paced setting
- Professional communication skills for vendor and team collaboration
- Basic proficiency in computer applications, such as Microsoft Office, Excel, data entry, and recordkeeping
- Familiarity with purchasing or inventory software, Google Workspace, or Power BI is advantageous
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with the department team
Ideal Candidate Snapshot
- Detail‑oriented and organized with a strong interest in specialty and Asian groceries
- Demonstrates strong communication and teamwork skills
- Comfortable with multitasking and adapting to changing priorities
- Keen to build expertise in purchasing, merchandising, and retail operations
- Motivated to contribute positively to a team‑driven environment
Other Relevant Information
- This position offers exposure to a diverse assortment of international grocery products, including sauces, noodles, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, and specialty items.
- Direct interaction with vendors and sales representatives provides valuable experience in supplier management and product sourcing.
- The company supports ongoing professional development, offering pathways to roles in buying, category management, and operations.
- Located in a vibrant city known for its diverse food scene and welcoming community, this role provides a unique opportunity for career advancement in the grocery retail sector.