Associate Category Buyer (Grocery)

Responsibilities

Getting the right products at the right price in the right store at the right time is no small task. That's what our Merchants do every day. They bring expertise in the areas of procurement, merchandising, culinary, analysis, pricing, quality assurance, demo programming, and inventory planning. As an Associate BDM I or Associate Buyer I, you'll train and work with a BDM/Buyer to learn about product assortment, placement, purchase, price negotiation, distribution, cost negotiation, reacting to customer demand, and planning future category strategy. This position is an orientation job for Partners with limited experience in Business Development Management (BDM) or Buyer functions. Once you're eligible, you'll become an Owner in the company, so we're looking for commitment, hard work, and focus on quality and customer service. 'Partner-owned' means our most important resources—People—drive the innovation, growth, and success that makes H-E-B The Greatest Omnichannel Retailing Company.

Do you have a:

1. HEART FOR PEOPLE... ability to persuade with negotiating and communication skills?
2. HEAD FOR BUSINESS... knowledge to coordinate, prioritize, and execute product strategy?
3. PASSION FOR RESULTS... drive to provide proactive solutions with limited direction/input?

We are looking for:

1. Degree in business, economics, marketing, or related field preferred
2. 3+ years of experience in business, merchandising/retail, or Store Operations

What is the work?

Management/Sales:

1. Provides strategic contributions to assigned category
2. Independently learns and participates in all buying and merchandising activities related to specific assigned categories, with a BDM/Buyer trainer
3. Learns to understand market trends, best buying practices, merchandising, pricing, growth, and development of assigned categories in conjunction with assigned training BDM/Buyer; participates in related processes
4. Supports decisions on assortment, product placement, acquisition timing, distribution, and subsequent financial results
5. Works collaboratively with Shelf Edge, Supply Chain, Product Information, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, Pricing, Store Operations, and other related areas
6. Manages cost negotiation activities with vendors
7. Ensures products are competitively priced, meeting price image/financial objectives
8. Assists the buyer with the selection of the right product mix
9. Writing, placing, and tracking purchase orders
10. Ensuring products are purchased at the right time, to specification and at a good price

Strategy/Project Management:

1. Learns/participates collaboratively with BDMs and Buyers to develop category strategies
2. Manages cost and retail relationships to support marketing and merchandising strategies
3. Manages projects and new initiatives from concept to implementation
4. Participates in/coordinated special projects as assigned by Procurement Director/BUD
5. Ensures consistent communication materials and branding throughout procurement programs and processes, policies, and other H-E-B initiatives
6. Contributes to the organization's buying and merchandising strategies
7. Assists in accurately forecasting trends and monitors performance to establish overall product assortment strategy
8. Assists in researching new suppliers and making recommendations to the buyer
9. Preparing budgets and forecasting purchasing trends

What is your background?

1. Degree in business, economics, marketing, or related field preferred
2. 3+ years of experience in business, merchandising/retail, or Store Operations
3. Category management, buying, supply chain, promotional planning, category analysis, merchandising, or other buying-related experiences are a plus
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office
5. Ability to multi-task and perform under pressure
6. Strong analytical and organizational skills
7. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills

Do you have what it takes to be a fit as an H-E-B Associate BDM I/Associate Buyer I?

1. Working knowledge of product information data flow (item, vendor, cost, price), category trends, promotional planning, category performance analysis, systems, process, and analysis
2. Strong verbal/written communication and presentation skills
3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
4. Strong negotiating and influencing skills
5. Strong organization and project management skills
6. PC skills (MS Office and job-related software/programs)
7. Ability to manage multiple priorities/deadlines and shift focus between tasks; attention to detail
8. Ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams and company-wide initiatives
9. Ability to navigate the organization and solve problems within/across departments
10. Ability to recommend proactive solutions with limited direction and input
11. Initiative: willingness to take risks
12. Strategic thinking and leadership

Can you...

1. Function in a fast-paced, retail, office environment
2. Travel by car or plane with overnight stays
3. Work extended hours; sit for extended periods

10-2022

PROC3232