Concession/Deli Buyer

Three Bears Alaska, Inc.; Wasilla (AK); On-site; USD 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Colonial Life Elective Benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Holiday Pay

Job summary

Three Bears Alaska, Inc. seeks a Deli Buyer to source and negotiate across multiple categories for all store locations. You will align buying with merchandising, pricing, and promotions while ensuring regulatory compliance and inventory health.

Responsibilities include supplier evaluation, category planning, and managing costs and performance to optimize availability and customer satisfaction. Strong Excel and ERP experience preferred in a retail setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of buying/merchandising experience in retail.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management focused on cost, quality, availability.
• Analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and retail systems (ERP/POS/procurement).
• Knowledge of category-specific products, trends, and supply chain considerations.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase products within assigned categories for all store locations.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, promotional allowances, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Build and maintain vendor relationships to ensure quality, availability, and service.
• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to inform buying decisions and improve turns.
• Support forecasting and replenishment with operations to reduce shrink.

Skills

Procurement & Vendor Relations

Category & Financial Performance

Inventory Management & Logistics

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Merchandising & Promotional Support

Tools

Excel

ERP/POS systems

Procurement platforms

Job description

Role Description

The Deli Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the procurement of products within assigned categories across all store locations. This role supports the strategic objectives of the VP of Merchandise by executing buying plans that optimize cost, quality, availability, and vendor performance. The Buyer ensures that purchasing decisions align with company merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and supporting key operational goals such as inventory management, shrink control, and customer satisfaction.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Procurement & Vendor Relations
  • Source and purchase products within assigned categories (e.g., grocery, dairy, sporting goods, liquor, general merchandise, etc) for all retail locations.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, promotional allowances, and delivery schedules with regional and national suppliers.
  • Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure product quality, availability, and reliable service.
  • Identify new vendor opportunities and conduct product evaluations to drive assortment improvements and innovation.
• Category & Financial Performance
  • Support the Director in achieving category sales and margin goals through effective buying and sourcing practices.
  • Assist in the development and execution of category plans, including product selection, vendor mix, and seasonal transitions.
  • Monitor market trends, cost fluctuations, and competitive activity to guide pricing and promotional strategies.
  • Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to inform buying decisions, reduce shrink, and improve inventory turns.
• Inventory Management & Logistics
  • Work closely with supply chain and store operations to ensure accurate forecasting and timely replenishment.
  • Assist in resolving supply chain challenges including out-of-stocks, quality concerns, and delivery issues.
  • Support the implementation of systems and processes to improve ordering accuracy and reduce waste.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance
  • Ensure all products meet company quality standards and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with internal teams to uphold product specifications, proper rotation, labeling standards, and safety protocols.
  • Maintain documentation related to sourcing, vendor agreements, product certifications, and compliance records.
• Merchandising & Promotional Support
  • Collaborate with the Director and Marketing teams to plan and execute promotions, pricing strategies, and seasonal campaigns.
  • Assist in the creation of product lists, ad planners, and merchandising tools for store-level implementation.
  • Participate in product reviews and help introduce new items based on consumer insights, trends, and vendor recommendations.

Experience/Education

• 3–5+ years of experience in buying, merchandising, or category management within a retail environment.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills with a focus on cost control, quality, and availability.
• Analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and retail systems (ERP, POS, or procurement platforms).
• Knowledge of category‑specific products, trends, and supply chain considerations.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements and quality assurance standards.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Experience in natural, specialty, or conventional retail formats is preferred.

Company Description

Three Bears Alaska is a family‑owned chain of Alaskan grocery stores with so much more. We are committed to providing customers with quality goods and services at the lowest possible price. We strive to meet the needs of our customers by offering a diverse range of products and exceptional customer service. With multiple locations throughout Alaska, Three Bears Alaska, Inc. is dedicated to serving the local community and creating a positive shopping experience.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Colonial Life Elective Benefits
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay

Pay Range

Starting at $75,000/annually (DOE)

Work Arrangement

• Part‑time
• Full‑time
• Evening, Weekends and Holidays are required.

Office Location and Travel

• LOCATION: In person
• Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Working Environment

Work is performed in a store setting with ability to speak and receive phone communications often. Work requires computer usage with strength, dexterity, coordination and visual acuity to use keyboard and video display terminal and other office equipment. Continuously standing, walking, reaching at/below shoulders, frequently lift/carry up to 10 pounds below waist, up to 20 pounds at waist/chest and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.