Senior Merchandiser

JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for procurement functions associated with the company’s product inventory needs. Items are required to be purchased within company cost and quality parameters and delivered at competitive levels consistent with company policy and performance standards. Timely scheduling of pick up and receipt of products. Interacting with suppliers. Interacting with the sales team. Handling of key suppliers and brands. Attending intercompany department meetings. Assisting with department training.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews guide daily and place purchase orders (PO) as needed with suppliers.
• Orders need to be accurate for amount, freight, price, and dates and must be consistent with company policy and performance standards.
• Negotiating quotes with suppliers as needed.
• Working with finance and vendors on payment requirements.
• Reviews and acts as required to ensure proper and correct inventory levels by using the system generated reports and information from internal departments. (i.e. out of stock and over-allocated reports)
• Daily communication with the sales team.
• Uses weekly reports and meetings to achieve the best possible inventory levels, dated product, and returns.
• Confirms all PO’s for accurate pricing, quantity, freight, and dates.
• Works with inland logistics to arrange for on-time product deliveries.
• Updates all item and vendor information in the system, as required. (pricing, freight, brackets, ship points, etc.)
• Inter-department training and on-the-floor merchandising support.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 3 years’ purchasing experience required.
• Foodservice distribution preferred.

Professional Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent follow-through and organizational skills required.
• AS400 experience preferred.

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
Most important decisions made fully independently:

• Daily procurement decisions – which items and quantities purchased daily.
• Supplier decisions – which vendor product is purchased from.
• Inventory management decisions - product movement and shelf-life management.
• Occasional price negotiations with vendors.

Most important decisions made with review and approval of other individuals or supervisors (include the reviews/approvals required):

• Accounting variances – reviewed and approved by the Supervisor or VP of merchandising.
• Training session – reviewed and approved by the Supervisor or VP of merchandising.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING

Supervisor Title

• Merchandising Supervisor