Buyer/Purchasing Associate

Responsibilities Job Summary: Participates in all buying and merchandising activities.

Essential Functions / Process Responsibilities include the following: other duties may be assigned as necessary: The Associate BDM II / Associate Buyer II is the orientation job for the Business Development career path, designed to acclimate the Partner to the H-E-B Procurement environment and build key relationships required for the BDM / Buyer role

Independently learns and participates in all buying and merchandising activities relating to specific categories assigned with training BDM / Buyer

Participates in and learns the process of strategic planning, category/commodity buying, merchandising, pricing, assortment decisions, category development and overall best practices in conjunction with their training BDM / Buyer

Works with assigned BDM to learn and participate in decisions on assortment, product placement, acquisition timing, distribution and financial results related to such decisions

Leads Grocery department projects on key initiatives that interact with all merchants, Directors, VPs, and other departments when needed

Works collaboratively with Shelf Edge, Supply Chain, Product Information, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, and other related areas

Independently manages own category, or portion of larger category

Develops strategies for categories

Manages cost negotiation activities with vendors

Ensures products are competitively priced, meeting price image objectives and financial objectives

Manages pricing projects and new initiatives from concept to implementation

Ensures consistent pricing communication materials and branding throughout pricing programs and processes, policies and other H-E-B initiatives

Works collaboratively with BDMs / Buyers, providing input to develop category strategies

Manages cost and retail relationships to support marketing and merchandising strategies

Education and Experience preferred Previous retail or commodity buying highly preferred but not required

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or related field or comparable experience

4+ years' experience in Business, Merchandising / Procurement or Store Operations

Moderate PC skills including Microsoft Office Suite software, as well as computer software programs required by the job

Working knowledge and experience in systems, process and analysis

Working knowledge and experience in the product information data flow, category trends, promotional planning and category performance analysis

Key Competencies preferred Good organization and project management skills

Good analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail

Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines (strong multitasking capabilities)

Good written / verbal communication and presentation skills

Good negotiating and influencing skills

Ability to navigate through the organization

Ability to work collaboratively on a cross-functional team and company-wide initiatives

Ability to comprehend product information data flow (item, vendor, cost, price)

Ability to solve problems within and across departments

Provides proactive solutions with limited direction and input

Demonstrates initiative and willingness to take risks

Physical and Other Requirements Function in a fast-paced, retail, office environment

Travel by car or airplane with overnight stays

Sit for an extended period of time

Lift 20 lbs or more on a regular basis

Work extended hours

PROC3232

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