Fresh Buyer II - Produce

United Natural Foods, Inc.; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. is seeking a remote-buying and inventory professional responsible for order placement and inventory management of critical product lines using purchasing software and analytics.

The role collaborates with Merchandisers, Sales, Vendors, and Operations to optimize service levels and profitability while minimizing shrink. You will monitor in-stock positions, review daily orders, forecast using historical data and seasonal trends, and train new team members.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• 3+ years of related purchasing/inventory experience.
• Knowledge of buying/purchasing principles.
• Experience in distribution and food industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain targeted outcome KPIs by identifying and resolving service-level and inventory issues.
• Review and analyze daily order placement for critical suppliers through our buying software.
• Utilize sales history, market conditions, and seasonal trends to assist in forecasting.
• Ensure item and vendor maintenance is accurate in the buying software.
• Analyze forecast accuracy, overstock, aging inventory, forward buy opportunities, and potential shrink.
• Address and resolve shipping or receiving-related problems.
• Communicate inventory-related issues to all affected parties.
• Train and mentor new team members.
• Meet deadlines and complete special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Forecasting

Remote collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Buying software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for order placement and inventory management of critical product lines through the proper use of purchasing software and other analytical tools. Other focus areas include managing in-stock positions for all assigned suppliers to maximize service level and profitability while minimizing shrink and aged inventory. Fresh buyers collaborate with Merchandisers, Sales, Vendors, and Operations to better service the customer. This is a remote position, and our day-to-day working environment is based on trust and encourages cross-functional team communication.

Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain targeted outcome KPIs by identifying and resolving service-level and inventory related issues through analytical tools.


• Review and analyze daily order placement for critical suppliers through our buying software.


• Utilize knowledge of sales history, market conditions, and seasonal trends to assist in accurate forecasting.


• Utilize reports to ensure item and vendor maintenance is accurate in the buying software.


• Maximize inventory profitability by analyzing:
  
  
  • Forecast Accuracy
  
  
  • Overstock inventory
  
  
  • Aging Inventory
  
  
  • Forward buy opportunities
  
  
  • Potential Shrink
  
  


• Address and resolve any shipping or receiving-related problems.


• Communicate any inventory-related issues to all affected parties.


• Train and mentor new team members.


• Meet deadlines and completes special projects as assigned.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• A high school diploma or GED required.


• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Experience:

• 3 + years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.


• Knowledge of basic buying/purchasing principles.


• Experience with Distribution Industry preferred.


• Experience in Food Industry preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills that aid in working within diverse environments.


• Ability to analyze and solve problems.


• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.


• Strong organizational and planning skills.


• Ability to prioritize heavy workloads and deadlines.


• Ability to recognize Seasonal trends.


• Ability to make decisions under pressure.


• Ability to investigate and resolve customer complaints and concerns.


• Flexible, resilient, and comfortable working in grey areas that are constantly changing.


• Strong collaboration skills to partner with a cross-functional team.


• Be able to work in a remote environment.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office with strong Excel & Word skills.


• Ability to provide training.


• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.


• Incumbents may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.


• Incumbents may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment during a normal workday.


• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.


• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.