At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, “I can’t live without them.”

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash’s People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

8735 E 33rd Street - Indianapolis, Indiana 46226-6528

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for overseeing fresh procurement and buying for assigned distribution center(s) to achieve the overall goals in inventory management, freshness standards and service levels, working with suppliers/vendors and distribution center teams. This role is responsible to work in partnership with Category Managers to negotiate cost of goods with vendors and purchases products/merchandise from established vendors to be sold at Company retail locations and to independent customers. 

Here’s what you’ll do: 

Responsible for the total assigned fresh category (meat/seafood, produce, bakery/deli) procurement and buying for assigned distribution center(s).  

Implement the fresh procurement strategy and solicit feedback from the field on customer relationships, industry trends and strategy implementation to recommend new products, quality and grades of fresh products.  

Negotiate cost of goods with vendors to ensure profitability within fresh category procurement; procure products based on necessary quantities and, depending on assigned area, select vendors to maximize sales, minimize out of stocks and/or maximize product quality through the manufacturing process.  

Work with management to achieve the overall goals in inventory management, freshness standards and service levels, and to drive company goals and initiatives, sales, gross margins, inventory fill rate, internal and external customer relationships and marketing efforts to achieve maximum sales and profit. Facilitate resolution of product supply issues with vendor, warehouses and/or retail locations.  

May assist with the return of incorrect deliveries/products and provide vendors with necessary information for credit/exchange as required. Ensure delivery of goods as scheduled; contact vendors to finalize purchase order transactions, expedite orders as required, resolve discrepancies and/or follow up as needed.  

Responsible for item maintenance and accurate documentation within the purchasing system and department records.  

Develop and maintain working relationships with cross-functional business partners (i.e., Merchandising, Distribution, Retail, Manufacturing, etc.) and external vendors/suppliers.  

Partner cross-functionally to optimize transportation efficiencies, ad planning, merchandising, sales planning and/or manufacturing.  

Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best Procurement/Merchandising practices; make recommendations to improve current programs and processes.  

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree (preferred) in Supply Chain Management,  Business Administration, or related area. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.

Two years experience in procurement, retail, wholesale fresh buying or related area.  

Experience in a grocery, wholesale, food manufacturing or food industry environment preferred.  

Strong verbal and written communication skills.  

Strong organization, attention to detail, prioritization and time management skills.  

Strong negotiation, financial acumen, analytical and decision-making skills.  

Demonstrated success working with cross-functional areas in multiple locations, gaining cooperation and support from other functional areas.  

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  

Working knowledge of purchasing systems.  

Ability to travel up to 10% of time. 

 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Must frequently sit, walk and stand, use hands to handle, grasp, and twist objects, tools, or controls, and use both feet for repetitive movements as in operating foot controls. Must frequently walk, talk, crouch, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, and reach with the hands and arms. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds with assistance as needed. While performing the duties of this position, employees are subject to a warehouse environment and may frequently be exposed to changes in temperature and humidity based on assignment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Employees must be able to work weekends, holidays, days and night hours, and overtime as necessary and as assigned, and must be able to work in the condition specified for 8-10 hours shift as assigned. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

CORPORATE1

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran, that celebrates diversity and believes employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.