Senior Meat & Protein Sourcing Strategist

Vaco by Highspring; Stone Mountain (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Senior Category Buyer - Meat to lead sourcing for fresh and frozen proteins, including beef, pork, poultry, and seafood. You will drive supplier negotiations, analyze commodity markets, and shape assortment, margin, and inventory strategies.

The role reports to the Director of Procurement; you will partner with Operations, Distribution, and Store Leadership to ensure product availability and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in meat/protein procurement or category management.
• Knowledge of fresh and frozen beef, pork, poultry, and seafood markets.
• Proven supplier negotiation and vendor-management experience.
• Experience with assortment, inventory, demand planning, and margin management.
• Strong analytical and business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic relationships with meat and protein suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, allowances, and contract terms.
• Monitor commodity markets, supply trends, and pricing fluctuations.
• Manage product assortment and recommend category changes.
• Analyze sales, profitability, cost per pound, inventory turns, and shrink.
• Align purchasing with demand forecasts and inventory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins and product availability.
• Support promotional and seasonal programs.
• Address supplier quality and performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, labeling, and traceability requirements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Distribution, and Store Leadership.

Skills

Meat procurement

Supplier negotiation

Category management

Analytical skills

Job description

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Senior Category Buyer - Meat to lead sourcing for fresh and frozen proteins, including beef, pork, poultry, and seafood. You will drive supplier negotiations, analyze commodity markets, and shape assortment, margin, and inventory strategies.

The role reports to the Director of Procurement; you will partner with Operations, Distribution, and Store Leadership to ensure product availability and cost efficiency.