Purchasing Manager (Co-op Partners Warehouse) (Information Technology)

PURPOSE: The Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and executing a purchasing strategy and leading the procurement team at Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW).

REPORTS TO: CPW Director

OVERVIEW: This is a Full Time, 40 hour per week position based out of CPWs offices. Typical shifts are Monday through Friday, 8am 4pm. Evening and weekend availability as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Lead, supervise, and develop buyers.
- Set annual team and individual goals that align with organizational budgets and top line goals within company deadlines.
- Monitor goal progress throughout the year to provide feedback and assistance when necessary to avoid spiraling budget deficits. Complete annual reviews.
- Manage team vacations to ensure proper coverage is maintained for all categories
- Complete coaching and corrective action meetings following co-op policy and in alignment with our collective bargaining agreement
- Assist buyers with anticipating seasonal shifts, navigating market conditions, and reviewing and anticipating market trends.
Category management
- Ensure implementation of pricing strategy that balances competitive pricing with the need to achieve gross margin goals
- Coordinate quarterly category reviews to analyze product and program performance.
- Review category and product pricing with buyers and sales manager to expand market share and drive profitability.
- Manage vendor relationships, including onboarding new vendors
Oversee development of procurement systems including procurement workflows and data analysis
Partner with the Food Safety Manager to ensure the purchasing team is adhering to internal and external food safety best practices.
Partner with operations to ensure accurate inventory and flow of product.
Work directly with the Logistics Manager to ensure that all inbound transportation maximizes truck space and minimizes expenses.
Work with Sales Manager and buyers to develop and maintain a supply side promotional system that provides sales with timely information necessary to create weekly fliers.
Maintain a customer centric culture that focus on proactively seeking feedback to find ways to optimize and drive sales
Provide consistent and respectful customer service to team members, vendors, and customers.
Represent the company in a positive manner during customer meetings and scheduled calls.
Occasional travel, including overnights and weekends.
Perform other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Computer literacy: Microsoft Office, ERP/WMS.
Preference for proven experience in sales, purchasing, and/or management experience in wholesale produce or similar fields.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong negotiation skills and business acumen.
Solutions-oriented, problem-solving, analytical mindset.
Familiarity with industry regulations and quality standards.
Demonstrated ability to work with customers and coworkers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ability to work with TCCP to create an inclusive environment where all are welcomed.
Ensure hiring supports TCCP goals for diversity and inclusion.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES
This job operates in a cold storage environment and in an office setting. Extended periods of standing and periods of time sitting using a computer or other devices are common.
Occasional work in a refrigerated environment, down to 34 degrees F
Occasional lifting to 40 lbs.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Observes safety and security procedures such as Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO), Emergency Evacuations and Building Security; Reports potentially unsafe conditions and injuries: near miss/incidents/accidents; Uses and cares for company equipment and materials properly.

Twin Cities Co-op Partners has an ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusiveness. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other status category by applicable law. People with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.