Buyer, Distribution Center

Buyer Position

The Buyer will purchase and manage merchandise, commodities, and products for resale. The Buyer will assist in preparing reports, data entry and special projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Maintain exceptional level of customer service to stores.
• Maintain awareness of new products, research new vendors and regularly incorporate new products into overall product mix.
• Ensure accuracy of cost and sell prices.
• Provide correct product information to Order Management in order to print accurate pick tickets.
• Authorize payment of invoices or returned merchandise.
• Coordinate and expedite most cost effective transportation of purchases.
• Work closely with vendors to maximize service and minimize cost on assigned products.
• Select and order merchandise from showings by manufacturers and brokers.
• Establish and maintain positive and productive vendor relationships.
• Maximize margins through inventory management, negotiation, category management, forward buys, and price items appropriately for resale.
• Stay abreast of product knowledge and industry trends by becoming familiar with customer's attitudes, preference, and purchasing problems.
• Monitor inventory levels and prepare Purchase Orders.
• Inspect and grade or appraise agricultural commodities, or other merchandise to determine value and yield.
• Inspect exchanged or refunded merchandise.
• Participation in quarterly physical inventories.
• Establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationship with Facility Team Leader, Purchasing Director, other Directors, Team Leaders, all Team Members and, Regional Product Coordinators.
• Models and cultivates effective inter-department and inter-facility communication.
• Maintain and facilitate communication with department Specialists and Team Leaders at the store level regarding product movement, new items, specials, margins, credits, and discontinued items.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of natural foods industry and Whole Foods Market quality goals
• Responsible for ensuring that all vendor organic certifications are on hand and current
• Consistently communicate and model Whole Foods Market vision and standards
• Communicate and maintain employee safety and security standards
• Knowledge of all relevant Whole Foods Market policies and standards
• Outstanding verbal and written communicator
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Ability to work well with others, self-motivated and capable of working independently with little supervision. Able to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the Distribution Center, including nights, weekends and holidays as required
• Self-motivated with high attention to detail and thoroughness in approach with all paperwork

Desired Work Experiences

• Bachelor's degree or 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education

The wage range for this position is $52,416.00-$89,725.77 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person's date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.