Assistant Manager & Store Buyer

The Roots Farm Market

903 US ROUTE 2

MIDDLESEX , VT 05602

United States Description We are seeking a motivated and organized Assistant Manager / Store Buyer to support the day-to-day operations of the store while playing a key role in product selection, purchasing, and inventory management. This position combines hands‑on retail leadership with a strong eye for quality, value, and customer demand, ensuring the store is well‑stocked with products that align with our brand and customers’ needs. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player with strong organizational, communication, and decision‑making skills who enjoys creating an engaging shopping experience while contributing to the store’s overall success. Key Responsibilities: Buying/Ordering & Receiving: Manage all aspects of the purchasing/receiving/inventory workflow, making sure to create POs, receive, check in, and update inventory for all anticipated deliveries in given Product Portfolio Communicate and facilitate receiving with other Buyer, Manager, and/or Owner if deliveries will occur outside of one’s specific schedule Balance and maintain a varied ordering schedule (weekly, semi‑monthly, etc) depending on vendors and needs of specific item Maintain a well‑stocked store by consistently ordering/reordering from our current vendor list Problem solve alternative channels for product sourcing if existing offerings exceed budget or become unavailable Stay up‑to‑date on customer preferences and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly Communicate regularly with local vendors to maintain consistency in store product stock Establish and cultivate new relationships to increase the presence and diversity of local products in the store in line with the store’s philosophy and mission Keep up to date about industry/regional trends, and regularly sample new local and regional products to add to store product portfolio Research and visit other establishments and attend occasional buying events for purchasing inspiration Plan vendor tastings, demos, etc. to promote new products in store Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors on an ongoing basis Inventory Management & Pricing Strategy: Monitor stock levels, create reports and analyze sales trends and adjust orders to minimize waste and maximize profitability Explore and develop expertise in the Inventory System (Shopventory) to maximize efficiency and improve systems store‑wide Take initiative in setting competitive pricing, maintaining margins, developing promotions, all in line with market trends Communicate and delegate updating of signage to store team members when prices change Ensure all purchased goods meet store standards in terms of freshness, quality, condition, and aesthetics Delegate price‑gunning and barcoding (where applicable) to ensure that products are accurately priced before stocking; work with management to ensure any barcode books or lists are updated Stay on top of expiration dates and product quality, conducting and/or delegating regular expiration checks to store team members on a regular basis Store Tasks: Continue to Interact regularly with customers at register and complete customer transactions as needed Maintain a frequent presence on the store floor to create connection with staff and customers, a welcoming atmosphere, and help support an overall positive energy in the store Support other team members at the register during busier store hours Help maintain quality within each area of the store by making sure product and produce displays are fresh, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing Support Store Manager and Owner in handling customer queries, requests, unanticipated issues, and complaints Maintain proper stocking and aesthetic protocols according to store standards and SOPs Keep walk‑in organized & accounted for in general, and with particular emphasis on Buyer’s specific product portfolio Restock products, bag, and clean as needed Admin & Communication: Maintain accurate records of purchases, invoices, and vendor agreements Communicate regularly with Manager & Owner about questions and needs Communicate frequently with all staff via Slack regarding product updates/info and other relevant vendor information Develop regular and consistent process for informing public about vendors and product Answer customer, vendor, and staff questions as needed Take initiative to improve store organization, systems, profitability, and/or customer experience and work closely with Manager/Owner to see these achieved store‑wide Facilitate and delegate to Store Team Members smaller tasks to allow optimization and efficiency of workflow and schedule Participate in team meetings Schedule Full time, 40 hours* per week Categories Farm stand / farm store Retail Food Outlets Compensation and Benefits Compensation 18% Store Discount Daily Staff Lunch & Drink 2nd Quality Produce and Store Culls 5 days PTO upon start of new role and additional accrual of PTO in accordance with PTO policy Join our mailing list to receive our Food System eNews Each month we will share network specific updates plus the latest news, events and jobs from all across Vermont’s food system so you can stay up to date. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vtfarmtoplate