POSITION SUMMARY 

Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion, this position is primarily responsible for analyzing the market to identify and pursue product development opportunities with new private label and national brand sources while assessing those capabilities to meet the Company’s strategic goals. These products/services are to be negotiated and contracted at best possible price while maintaining required quality under the Company’s quality standards. These quality standards are based on customer requirements and maintaining a best-in-class service level. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Responsible for strategically researching and developing new and innovative items with prospective suppliers at the best possible market prices while meeting or exceeding quality standards. 
• Research market reports (daily and periodic) and trends, and industry-related articles to enhance knowledge base and identify product growth areas. 
• Issues and monitors company quotation requests for all new material to be purchased and maintains contact with all markets and vendors through personal contact, professional associations and trade publications.  
• Accurately secures and presents complete price quotes for all departments as needed; communicate product opinions to Sales/Account Management teams (i.e., pricing and product quality options and availability of appropriate substitutions).  
• Obtains and maintains the most current price lists for all vendors (i.e., daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly). 
• Assists in facilitating the recall process, including communication with external vendors and internal Recall Team. 
• Works with Accounts Payable and the vendor when issues arise within 24 hours of notification. • Collaborates with affiliate companies to secure synergistic Company procurement. 
• Conducts internal presentations and provides all necessary product information, including point of sale, pricing, product specs, lead time, private label capabilities, and all available exclusive opportunities. 
• Prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts and vendor agreements for legal correctness, price, and acceptability of items to specifications (includes negotiating allowances, discounts, rebates, and term discounts from vendors). 
• Obtains and maintains private label specification sheets for all items under their given area of responsibility. 
• Negotiates agreements with suppliers to attain acceptable quality, lowest price and timely deliveries for the company. 
• Establishes and maintains a vendor rating system. This system should form the basis for selecting vendors for future needs. 
• Establishes and directs a cost reduction program aimed at lowering overall purchased goods costs. 
• Visits vendor facilities and assists in the Quality Assurance of the RW products, especially internal private brands.  
• Strictly adheres to Richmond Wholesale’s employment policies, departmental operating policies, and federal and state regulatory and compliance laws pertaining to our business and industry. Actively maintains a collaborative spirit/dialogue with other departments and Associates to promote workplace harmony and productivity, embracing and fostering the Company’s mission

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS 

Education and Experience The position requires a four-year degree, preferably in business and 5 - 8 years of food purchasing experience, or an equivalent in combined education and work experience. Manufacturing or warehousing experience preferred. Experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel skills required. 

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB 

Communication and Comprehension  

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information. 
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond articulately and professionally. 
• Possesses public communication skills that allow the professional representation of Richmond Wholesale to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates. Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and have consistent and disciplined followthrough.

Problem Solving  

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.  
• Must be able to work under stress, presenting a calm, professional demeanor at all times.

Physical and Sensory Abilities 

• May be required to travel to local off-site locations occasionally. 
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. 
• Regularly required to hear and speak to communicate orally effectively. 
• Required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the facilities. 
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop to conduct business. 
• Regularly lift tenor fewer pounds (occasionally lift to 30 pounds). 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Works remotely (requires travel approximately 1-2 times per month).