Buyer - Toledo OH

Buyer – Toledo OH

Join the Sofo Foods Team

At Sofo Foods, you'll be more than a buyer—you'll be a strategic business partner. As a Buyer, you'll own a product category and play a key role in driving profitability, strengthening supplier partnerships, and ensuring our customers have access to the products they need.

This role combines strategic sourcing, category management, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to support the company's continued growth. If you enjoy making data-driven decisions, negotiating with suppliers, and influencing business results, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute category strategies that support company growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Own the overall performance of your assigned product category by balancing supplier relationships, inventory levels, pricing, margins, and customer demand.
• Analyze sales trends, inventory performance, profitability, supplier performance, and market conditions to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, rebates, and supplier programs to maximize value and reduce costs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, brokers, and internal business partners.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Distribution, and suppliers to support customer needs and business initiatives.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new item setup, vendor onboarding, line reviews, and product discontinuations.
• Monitor inventory performance to maintain high service levels while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
• Lead sourcing initiatives and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Communicate pricing changes, market trends, and product information throughout the organization.
• Utilize ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, reporting tools, and market data to support purchasing decisions and strategic planning.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.

What You'll Bring

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Effective negotiation skills and confidence working with suppliers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Self-motivated, accountable, and results-oriented.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing, strategic sourcing, category management, retail, wholesale, or distribution.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working with ERP systems and reporting tools is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Sofo Foods offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, prescription, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a measurable impact while growing your career with a stable, family-owned food distributor, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Sofo Foods team.