Buyer - Deli

About Grocery Outlet:

• Our Mission: Touching lives for the better
• Our Vision: Touching lives by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.
• Our Values & Behaviors: Achievement, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Family, Fun, Integrity & Service

About the Team: Our Purchasing team's mission is to provide bargain-minded customers with the deepest discounts on quality and branded products. In many ways our team is the heart of the organization- building and maintaining vendor relationships and providing solutions for our supplier partners and independent operators. Our buyers are empowered with speed, flexibility, and freedom while their passion and creativity embody the art of closeout buying. Successful members of our team are motivated to exceed annual comp sales, thrive in a collaborative environment, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and be motivated by relationship building.

About the Role: You will be a part of the Deli team; the Deli team is responsible for the category management decisions, assortment planning, seasonal planning, RFP's and the buying and replenishment of everyday items. As a Deli Buyer, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of your assigned categories within the department, generating +-$70M annually. Your primary role is to optimize the assortment through exceptional category management practices, including a rigorous regular item level review, supplier performance reviews & promotional planning while supporting our commitment of providing VALUE to our customers. This role reports to the Sr. Director - Purchasing.

Responsibilities Include:

• Analyze internal and syndicated data to identify assortment opportunities and emerging trends.
• Define retail pricing strategies to optimize sales, inventory turns, and profit margins.
• Take calculated risks to drive excitement and engagement with customers.
• Negotiate the most competitive costs to enhance customer value perception.
• Recommend and champion innovative solutions during vendor negotiations.
• Manage DSD Order Guides in the Power HQ system, ensuring pricing and UPC data accuracy.
• Collaborate with the Inventory Planning team to identify opportunities that strategically grow sales while minimizing losses.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with current suppliers.
• Prioritize deals and opportunities based on Open-to-Buy (OTB) needs.
• Lead efforts to align and inspire cross-functional partners across Operations, Store Operations, Marketing, and IT-bringing together diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Set and execute short- and long-term plans aligned with team and departmental strategies.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and respond effectively to evolving business demands.
• Effectively communicate and position the unique Grocery Outlet and Independent Operator model to vendors.

About The Pay:

• Base Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000 Annually
• Annual Bonus Program
• Equity
• 401(k) Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental, Vision & More!
• Final compensation will be determined based upon experience and skills and may vary based on location.

About You:

• You have 10+ years of experience buying or selling consumer products

• Experience in a discount retail environment and/or working with an opportunistic product assortment is highly desirable.
• Prior experience with Direct Store Delivery (DSD) is preferred.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for taking smart, calculated risks.
• Strong negotiation skills - confident presenting bold offers while driving mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Collaborative and people-oriented, with a natural ability to build strong relationships.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and minimal direction.
• Sharp trend-spotting instincts and a passion for identifying hot-selling products.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and reliable follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Passionate, driven, and consistently engaged in delivering results.
• Demonstrated history of driving growth, improvement, or innovation in previous roles.

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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.