Buyer - Pork Products

Responsible for the procurement of assigned commodities, as determined by the procurement manager. Monitors all assigned product during the entire purchasing cycle, from beginning to end. Establishes product requirements with regard to normal customer movement and movement determined by customer advertised specials. Assigns purchase order numbers, arranges transportation and schedules delivery dates for the product.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Responsible for establishing product requirements with regard to normal product movement by customers and movement of product as determined by customer advertised specials. Responsible for selecting advertised specials, for the upcoming ad periods, to be included in the weekly ad special circular.
• Responsible for the negotiation of ad special pricing and reserving the necessary ad product requirements with the responsible vendors or shippers.
• Responsible for establishing weekly product requirements, purchasing assigned commodities, assigning purchase order numbers, arranging transportation and delivery schedules for the product in conjunction with the warehouse.
• Monitors all assigned inventory to insure that product is being stored properly, rotated properly, and product movement is consistent. Insures that the entire inventory meets Freedman quality standards.
• Coordinates the disposition of substandard product, incoming or currently in the inventory, with the warehouse staff and the responsible commodity vendor.
• Establishes long term relationships with a variety of vendors and shippers in order to secure the best product deals on the market and the introduction of new items.
• Negotiates FOB or delivered pricing with vendors or shippers utilizing a verbal or written contract.
• Maintains close communication with a wide array of customers in order to cater to the customers particular product requirements.
• Provides the necessary input information for the weekly market report, price change report, weather letters and the yearly planning calendar.
• Maintains a wide variety of essential files and historical records.
• All other duties as assigned

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a fresh foods wholesale environment to include 3+ years of fresh meats buying experience.
• Should have extensive knowledge of procurement procedures at the wholesale, retail, and vendor levels.
• A diverse understanding of FOB guidelines, good delivery standards, interstate and local transportation procedures, PACA regulations, and commodity standards. A basic knowledge of product warehousing, storage, and transportation.
• Strong organization skills and problem solving skills.
• Computer experience with a good understanding of all Microsoft applications.
• Ability to track and monitor product sales utilizing the company computer program.
• Qualified to receive a Texas Department of Agriculture buying agent license.
• Good communication skills - oral and written
• Excellent mathematical / analytical and reasoning skills
• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• Some business coursework at the college level
• Bilingual - Spanish / English
• Buying system implementation experience
• Extensive knowledge of and experience buying pork products in a high volume environment.

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