Traffic/Rate Analyst jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Gourmet International Ltd. imports & distributes fine quality specialty foods & confections throughout the United States. Our valued customers include gourmet retailers, quality grocers, delicatessens, gift shops, gift basket companies, web retailers & more.

Gourmet International began its journey almost 50 years ago when Horst and Erika Nitzsche immigrated to Michigan from Germany. Today, Gourmet International is the exclusive importer of over 35 European brands ranging from savory to sweet (1700-1800 SKUs). Over the past thirty years, we have expanded our warehouse four times, and recently relocated to a new and larger space to better accommodate our growing business. With a new 125,000 square foot warehouse designed to provide efficient service, and a brand-new website, we strive to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations in all areas of service.

At Gourmet International, we treat each other with respect, we care, we think of the team first and we go above and beyond for the greater good of Gourmet.

Do you have a passion for food? Are you looking for the opportunity to make an impact on a family-owned business and work in a state-of-the art facility? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!

Role and Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Analyst, you will be responsible for optimizing our procurement processes and ensuring seamless vendor management to support the organization's operations.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic goals of the organization by optimizing purchasing processes, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring financial accuracy and compliance. If you are a proactive and analytical individual with a passion for procurement and supply chain management, we encourage you to apply.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Demand Forecasting:

o Utilize historical data, market trends, and input from relevant stakeholders to forecast demand for products and materials.

o Develop accurate demand forecasts to facilitate informed purchasing decisions and maintain optimal inventory levels.

· Purchase Order Writing and Tracking:

o Create purchase orders based on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and production schedules.

o Track and monitor purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

o Communicate with vendors to confirm order details, delivery schedules, and any changes or updates.

· Vendor Management:

o Cultivate and maintain relationships with vendors to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service levels.

o Evaluate vendor performance based on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery timeliness, product quality, and responsiveness.

o Collaborate with vendors to address issues, resolve disputes, and implement improvements.

· Accounting Support:

o Provide backup support to the accounting department for deductions, credits, chargebacks, and other financial transactions related to purchasing.

o Resolve discrepancies and disputes with vendors to ensure accurate accounting records and financial reporting.

o Review and approve vendor invoices in accordance with established policies and procedures.

· Data Analysis and Reporting:

o Analyze purchasing data, including spending patterns, vendor performance, and inventory levels, to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

o Generate reports and provide insights to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Competencies

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel capabilities e.g., (sort, filter, SUMIF, pivot tables, text formulas, IF formulas, charts, conditional formatting, rounding)

· Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present meaningful data to Buyers and leadership in the Purchasing Department.

· Ability to translate data into insightful business recommendations.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and cross functionally within a team.

· Self-motivated, results-oriented, data driven.

Work Environment

This job typically operates in an office environment, but there will be a small portion of time spent in the warehouse. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. physical demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.

· Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and trends.

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

· Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and other procurement software.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EEO statement

Gourmet International believes that all people are entitled to equal employment opportunity. We follow state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment. We will recruit, hire and promote, for all job classifications, without regard to race, color, sex, nationality, religion, familial status, Vietnam Era Veterans Status, or physical or mental disability, to the extent required by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49512: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person