PURPOSE:
Coordinates all buying activities to ensure achievement of all department, distribution center, and company financial objectives. Ensures that the highest standards of professional integrity are maintained throughout the assigned department.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides overall department goal setting and direction.

• Coordinates departmental activities with other departments including DC operations, Merchandising, retail, and Corporate Procurement to ensure optimum results.

• Attends various meetings to maintain awareness of programs and issues providing
relevant department information in support of programs.

• Visits stores, as needed, to monitor programs, obtain store feedback and to assess
overall implementation effectiveness as needed.

• Establishes buyer inventory dollar and turn goals each quarter and monitors results
taking corrective action as required.

• Monitors buyer service level performance to goals and assigns appropriate coding for "out of stock" merchandise.

• Supports and implements Corporate initiatives.

• Participates in developing and managing Division P & L by conducting analysis and
providing relevant procurement data.

• Monitors department's results compared to projections, identifies solutions and
recommends corrective actions.

• Participates in projection meetings.

• Completes all buyer related activities, for assigned product lines, as detailed in Sr. Buyer description.

• Initiates and follows through on personnel actions such as: hiring, terminations, layoff, promotions, and salary increases.

• Coordinates and evaluates formal training activities and on-the-job training programs.

• Maintains formal and informal channels of upward communication; encourages the
expression of new ideas, suggestions, and complaints; reviews them for appropriateness.

• Understanding of forecast accuracy metrics and experience in driving a team to meet accuracy goals.

• Understanding of statistical forecast modeling including the ability to understand and leverage machine learning algorithms to drive best fit forecasts.

• Experience in driving root cause analysis to identify factors impacting accuracy and implementing solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy.

• Experience with RELEX Demand Planning and Supply Chain Planning solutions a plus

• Ability to translate numbers and data into reliable insight.

• Understanding of seasonality and peak demand times.

• Ability to work cross functionally at a variety of levels to influence decisions and drive business results through promotional and seasonal demand windows.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/ Certifications: (Required & Preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in related field required
Experience:
• At least 3 years of Buyer experience with an understanding of the techniques and
methodology preferred
Skills/ Abilities:
• Interpersonal and customer relation skills to effectively develop and maintain business
relationships at all levels of the company and with the outside business community.
• Strong written & verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Ability to make appropriate decisions.
• Strong planning, organizing, and negotiating skills.
• Proven supervisory and management skills.
• Proficient in the use of computers and related office software programs, typically Excel,
Word and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:
• Some travel may be required
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at 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.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the
course of normal workday
• Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.