The Buyer for the Meat & Poultry category is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure consistent availability of high-quality fresh meat and poultry products across all stores. This role ensures competitive pricing, proper inventory levels, and strong supplier partnerships while maintaining strict quality and food safety standards.
The Buyer will also monitor market trends, optimize product assortment, and collaborate with internal teams to maximize category performance and profitability.
Category Management
- Manage the overall product assortment for fresh meat and poultry items
- Identify opportunities to expand product offerings, introduce new SKUs, or improve existing assortments
- Monitor sales trends and customer demand to adjust product mix and ordering strategies
Supplier Management & Sourcing
- Identify, evaluate, and maintain relationships with meat processors, distributors, and suppliers
- Negotiate pricing, supply contracts, promotional support, and payment terms
- Ensure suppliers meet quality, food safety, and regulatory standards
Inventory & Supply Planning
- Monitor stock levels to maintain product availability while minimizing spoilage and wastage
- Coordinate closely with warehouse, logistics, and store operations to ensure proper supply planning
- Manage replenishment strategies for perishable products
Pricing & Promotions
- Develop competitive pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and company margin targets
- Coordinate with marketing teams on promotional campaigns and seasonal offerings
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure all products comply with food safety regulations and company quality standards
- Work closely with quality assurance teams to monitor product quality and supplier compliance
Performance Monitoring
- Track category performance including sales, margins, inventory turnover, and supplier performance
- Prepare reports and recommendations to improve category growth and profitability
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 35 years of experience in buying, procurement, or category management, preferably in retail or food distribution
- Experience handling fresh meat, poultry, or other perishable food categories is highly preferred
- Strong background in supplier negotiation and vendor management
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Understanding of perishable goods supply chain and inventory management
- Strong analytical and forecasting ability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
- Strong attention to quality and compliance standards
