Job Description Job Duties: The Buyer Reports to the Director of Purchasing.  The Buyer is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels and for developing and maintaining detailed reporting of purchasing and supplier information to proactively improve the efficiency of the purchasing department.

This is an opportunity for a passionate and experienced individual to break new ground in local food purchasing. The Buyer plays a key role in setting the foundation on which the Local Foods business is based.

Procurement duties:

• Purchase product that meets customer needs and Local Foods standards
• Implement plans to improve the range of availability and consistency of products
• Negotiate cost price and terms on all products
• Achieve shrink, margin and customer satisfaction levels
• Build and maintain long term relationships with existing vendors
• Assess and recommend new sources of products
• Manage relationships to deliver agreed product inventory and quality levels

 Communication and organizational duties:

• Manage product catalog and communicate new or updated items to the sales team
• Assist with setting proper pricing for all products and the creation of new products and product categories
• Work collaboratively and strategically with
• the Sales Team on supply and quality issues and opportunities
• Monitor spoilage and assess quantity and quality to recover losses
• Assist as needed with quality control and operational needs
• Manage billing and resolve / communicate discrepancies

 Requirements:

• 1-3 years of experience with purchasing, experience with food purchasing preferred
• Bachelor Degree or other post HS degree
• Working knowledge of buying, pricing systems and other applicable programs for purchasing
• Analytical ability and proficiency in margin calculations and inventory management
• Outstanding interpersonal and networking skills to drive collaborative culture at all level
• Proficiency with MS Excel; experience with distribution or ERP software a plus
• Understanding of invoicing and basic accounting
• Sound statistical acumen, interpretation and analytical ability
• Must be able to work flexible hours depending on the work load, including overtime and weekends without notice. This position will be 5-6 days a week.
• Must be comfortable working inside and outside in all weather conditions

• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize

Local Foods is Chicago’s first wholesale distributor and retailer of strictly local foods from the Midwest’s best farmers. We source and deliver the finest farm foods to consumers, restaurants, grocers, schools and institutions. Through our one-of-a-kind Bucktown processing facility, event space and retail store, we bring the stories of producers to life. We started Local Foods to simplify the way Midwestern farmers’ products are brought to market, and to make the best tasting local foods easy and accessible. Compensation this position is How to apply DeadlineMay 01, 2015