Our company is seeking a dynamic COP Buyer to join the ranks of our growing Protein division. The COP Buyer reports into Purchasing Management, and aids the team in the procurement of a broad range of protein cuts, styles, grades, and categories. Candidates must possess Wholesale, Food Service, or Retail experience to be considered for this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Select vendors to procure from, based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of product, service level, and responsiveness to market changes and the company’s requirements.
• Maintain item and vendor data management within Enterprise Resource Platform, on all items pertaining to Center of the Plate.
• Troubleshoot with internal departments and external vendors on invoicing, product, or delivery discrepancies to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships.
• Learn & utilize the company’s suite of solutions, ranging from Demand Planning, Canned Reporting, and Business Intelligence tools.
• Maintain & adhere to the company’s 98.5%+ fulfillment rate standards.
• Proactively plan for seasonality, supply chain constraints, market changes, and map out acceptable substitutes.
• Negotiate pricing, quantities, and deals according to customer needs. Manage deal buys in combination with efficient warehouse utilization.
• Routinely publish market reviews, in coordination with Purchasing Management. Stay up to date with the latest seasonal and market changes, educate and collaborate with related departments on developing new products & growing existing lines.

• Coordinate with Quality Control, Receiving, and Sales as it pertains to maintaining the highest quality standards, on-time deliveries, and industry leading fulfillment rates.
• Participate in weekly team meetings & ongoing educational series.
• Work with internal departments and external vendors on aging inventory as well as damaged items on inbound freight.
• Assist Purchasing Management with growth opportunities across the category including, but not limited to; assessing current selection and identifying opportunities for growth within the COP division across both domestic and imported products.
• Must have a strong desire to foster the company’s existing partnerships while aiding in the development and pioneering of new lines.
• Support the Sales team with product spec and pricing information, and provide recommendations on new and existing products.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3+years’ experience buying protein and related items.
• Strong knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Tools.
• Ability to multi-task many activities, projects and timelines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to communicate with personnel at all levels of the organization including ownership.
• Self-starter with the ability to set priorities and goals and work to accomplish the goals.
• Strong negotiation skills.

EEO M/F/D/V
Our company recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or physical or mental disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the job.