Fresh Buyer I (Produce)

Fresh Buyer I (Produce)

Getting the right products at the right price in the right Store at the right time is no small task. That is 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.

The Fresh Buyer I position is a full-time role responsible for managing the flow of all assigned produce items, whether internally or externally procured from domestic or imported sources. Primary duties for this position involve assisting with securing a supply line to meet customer demand across diverse H-E-B store formats.

As a Fresh Buyer I, you will train and collaborate with a Business Development Manager (BDM) to gain expertise in product assortment, placement, purchasing, price negotiation, distribution, cost negotiation, reacting to customer demand, and planning future category strategy. This role serves as an orientation for Partners with limited direct experience in Business Development Management or Buyer functions, providing a foundational learning experience.

Once eligible, you will become an Owner in the company, reflecting H-E-B's commitment to Partners driving innovation, growth, and success as The Greatest Omnichannel Retailing Company. We seek individuals demonstrating commitment, hard work, and a strong focus on quality and Customer service.

Do You Have a

• HEART FOR PEOPLE: Ability to persuade with strong negotiating and communication skills.
• HEAD FOR BUSINESS: Knowledge to coordinate, prioritize, and execute product strategy effectively.
• PASSION FOR RESULTS: Drive to provide proactive solutions with limited direction or input.

We Are Looking For

• Degree in business, economics, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in business, merchandising / retail, or Store Operations.

What is the work?

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Works with a defined vendor base and actively seeks new vendors to expand options.
• Manages a pre-defined set of produce items, overseeing their entire lifecycle.
• Collaborates with suppliers and H-E-B QA to refine item-level product specifications.
• Manages seasonal produce with market fluctuations, capitalizing on spot market opportunities.
• Influences the BDM regarding weekly ad and promotional items to optimize sales.
• Executes the end-to-end supply chain, from supplier to warehouse and finally into stores.
• Responsible for purchase order replenishment, days on hand, and freshness guarantees.
• Manages markdowns to efficiently move shorter-dated items and minimize waste.
• Works with QA on product and load rejection decisions to ensure high-quality, in-specification inventory.
• Implements shrink management controls to protect profitability.
• Achieves supplier service level targets, ensuring reliable product flow.
• Manages outbound product flow from the H-E-B warehouse network to all H-E-B banner stores (H-E-B/CM/MT/Joe V's).

Supplier Cost & Pricing

• Manages supplier costs for assigned items.
• Conducts item-level cost negotiations to secure favorable terms.
• Monitors market pricing and availability to help maintain profitability.
• Ensures products are competitively priced and meet H-E-B's price image and financial objectives.
• Assists the BDM with broader contract and cost negotiations.

Strategic Planning

• Helps identify and recommend changes to existing processes and strategies.
• Monitors and communicates market trends relevant to the produce category.
• As an H-E-B category buyer, the Fresh Buyer I will work closely with various H-E-B Centers of Excellence (COEs) on special projects to advance the H-E-B Bold Promise (e.g., Own Brand, Shelf Edge/Space Planning, QA food safety, regulatory, IS systems).

What is your background?

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

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

• Working knowledge of product information data flow (item, vendor, cost, price), category trends, promotional planning, category performance analysis, systems, process, and analysis.
• Strong verbal / written communication and presentation skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Negotiating and influencing skills.
• Organization and project management skills.
• PC skills (MS Office and job-related software / programs).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities / deadlines and shift focus between tasks; attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams and company-wide initiatives.
• Ability to navigate the organization and solve problems within / across departments.
• Ability to recommend proactive solutions with limited direction and input.
• Initiative: willingness to take calculated risks.

Can you...

• Function effectively in a fast-paced, retail, office environment.
• Travel by car or plane with overnight stays as required.
• Work extended hours; sit for extended periods.

Key skills/competency

• Procurement
• Merchandising
• Inventory Management
• Supply Chain Logistics
• Vendor Negotiation
• Pricing Strategy
• Category Management
• Market Analysis
• Product Specifications
• Quality Assurance