Center Store Buyer

Job Description

About Happier Grocery

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Happier Grocery is a health-forward Grocery Store that seeks to provide a lifestyle oasis for New Yorkers. We are committed to providing the highest quality food and lifestyle experience.

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Our mission is to create a buying experience where shoppers need not scrutinize every food label, and to provide a place of community, positivity, and life-affirming nutrition and enjoyment.

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The Opportunity

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We are searching for a Center Store Buyer to lead the purchasing, assortment, and inventory strategy for Happier Grocery's center store and dry goods categories. This role is responsible for sourcing products, managing vendor relationships, negotiating pricing, and ensuring the right products are available to deliver an exceptional customer experience while meeting sales and margin goals.

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The Grocery Buyer will analyze sales and inventory performance to make data-driven purchasing decisions, identify emerging products and brands, and collaborate cross-functionally to execute the overall merchandising strategy. This role is based on the sales floor at our Canal Street store, working closely with store leadership and vendor partners to support daily operations, maintain merchandising standards, and uphold Happier Grocery's values and commitment to quality.

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ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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Category Management & Purchasing

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• Own purchasing, replenishment, and assortment planning for all center store categories.
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• Manage the product lifecycle by evaluating consumer preferences, market trends, and competitive dynamics.
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• Source new and emerging products that align with Happier Grocery’s brand, customer needs, and category strategy.
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• Provide product, pricing, and assortment recommendations to optimize sales, margin, and customer experience.
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Inventory & Performance Management

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• Analyze sales, margin, and inventory data to create accurate replenishment orders and improve inventory turns.
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• Monitor stock levels, review inventory discrepancies, and partner with store teams to maintain accurate inventory.
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• Develop category reviews and performance improvement strategies to drive sales and operational efficiency.
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Vendor Management & Partnerships

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• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships through effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration.
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• Manage vendor performance, including pricing, product quality, deliveries, and issue resolution.
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• Partner with suppliers to identify opportunities that support category growth and customer demand.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operations

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• Collaborate with store operations, receiving, finance, and corporate teams to support seamless execution.
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• Ensure adherence to company policies, food safety standards, and operational procedures.
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PRINCIPAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

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• 2+ years of retail grocery buying or merchandising experience, preferably within dry goods or center store categories.
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• Strong knowledge of grocery markets, natural foods, and emerging product trends.
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• Analytical mindset with experience using sales, margin, inventory, and reporting data to drive decisions.
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• Proficiency with Excel, ERP systems, and inventory management tools.
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• Strong product knowledge and ability to educate and engage team members.
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• Excellent organization, time management, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
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• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
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• Flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on business needs.
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• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
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• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
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