Merchandise Planner - Produce jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Since 1933, Vine Line Produce has been delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to our valued partners throughout the Midwest. Our goal is to collaborate and build solid relations in the produce industry, allowing us to understand our partners needs and services, so that we can support them in all things produce. Vine Line continues to be an organization built on generations of hard working, ethical, and humble families who are dedicated to building relationships by taking care of our customers. We look forward to adding to our team and continuing our growth.

Essential Functions:

• Interact and communicate with the procurement, sales and operations team on product status to achieve continuous and open flow of information
• Meet or exceed goals given by the Procurement Manager
• Strive to improve inventory turns, reduce out of stock, control shrink and maintain FIFO inventory
• Monitor product quality to ensure customer satisfaction, by daily visual quality checks and monitoring daily inventory reports. Communicate quality issues with operations and quality control
• Manage incoming freight for timely arrivals to eliminate out of stock and to improve operational efficiencies
• Supply cost and market trends to the retail marketing staff for the development of books and daily selling opportunities

Other Functions:

• Assist with daily and monthly physical inventory, as needed
• Complete other team member’s duties when unable to complete tasks
• Assist marketing and sales to market products and programs to specified accounts
• Perform special projects as assigned by the Procurement Manager– Vine Line Produce

Competencies, Education, and Skills to be Successful:

• Innovative and creative thinking
• Listening skills
• Influencing
• Negotiation skills
• Complex problem-solving
• Related bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years successful experience as a Category Manager/Buyer in the produce industry or at least 7 years successful related experience in the produce industry
• Proficient skills in Produce Pro or similar software, Microsoft Office and common E Mail systems are required

Compensation:

• $50,000 - $55,000/Year

Benefits:

• Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Voluntary Life)
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Weekly Paid
• Career Advancement Opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or another legally protected status.