Buyer (Meat Category)

Langley Farm Market is a grocery store chain specializing in sourcing specialty foods from local suppliers. With six Metro Vancouver locations, we offer a diverse range of fresh produce, premium meats, specialty groceries, baked goods, and delicatessen cold cuts. Our commitment to quality and value has earned us the 2024 Consumer Choice Award for Best Fruit & Vegetable Store in Vancouver, a testament to our customer satisfaction and business excellence. Join us in our mission to provide outstanding fresh products in a dynamic and growth-oriented environment.

We are looking for a Meat Buyer (Chinese Speaking) to join our Buying team! The Meat Buyer will play a vital role in driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic oversight of the product assortment. This role will be responsible for the efficient and accurate execution of purchasing, inventory management, and marketing strategies. By analyzing market trends and sales data, the Meat Buyer will identify opportunities for innovation and refine product offerings to align with company goals. Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Buying & Inventory Management

• Oversee the entire ordering process, from placing purchase orders to tracking shipments and ensuring timely delivery of products.
• Determine order quantities by analyzing stock requirements, forecasts, and lead times.
• Inspect received products and verify product accuracy and quality.
• Maintain accurate records of orders and deliveries including purchasing files and invoices.
• Analyze inventory turnover rates to identify purchasing adjustments needed to reduce carrying costs and spoilage.
• Update and maintain comprehensive inventory lists that include essential details such as supplier information, product costs, and SKU assignments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve any discrepancies or delays, ensuring that inventory levels remain optimal to meet customer demand.

Assortment & Promotional Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive assortment strategy that aligns with company focus and customer needs.
• Research and analyze market trends, sales data, and customer preferences to identify opportunities to expand or refine the product assortment
• Evaluate supplier offerings and negotiate trial periods for new products, assessing performance and customer feedback for potential long-term adoption.
• Analyze the performance of promotional strategies to determine their impact on sales and adjust future plans based on data-driven insights.
• Participate in weekly team meetings to share insights, discuss challenges, and define product strategies.
• Curate cohesive weekly specials based on seasonal trends, popular products, and customer preferences.
• Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to inform purchasing decisions and strategy development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant buying or inventory management experience in meat retail or wholesale environment.
• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is an asset.
• Strong proficiency of Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel) and Google Workplace; able to quickly learn new systems and tools.
• Excellent negotiation and analytical skills.
• A team player with strong communication skills.
• Possession of a valid B.C. Driver’s License to facilitate travel for on-site visits is an asset.
• Experience with L-BOSS and/or Sage 50 is an asset.
• Knowledge of Cantonese/Mandarin.

This is a full-time position, offering a comprehensive training program to ensure the successful candidate is fully equipped to excel in the role. In addition to competitive compensation that reflects your experience and skills, we provide a robust benefits package. This includes life insurance, dental coverage, and extended health care. You will also have opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic and supportive team environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $70,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus pay

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Metro Vancouver Regional District, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Meat Purchasing: 3 years (required)

Language:

• Cantonese/Mandarin (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-11-05
Expected start date: 2024-11-18