Supervisor / Buyer

Supervisor/Buyer - Produce

Location: Madison, WI

Status: Hourly non-exempt, represented

Supervision: Indirect supervisory responsibility for department staff

Our Mission: Willy Street Co-op is different from other grocery stores. We are proud to have a socially and environmentally responsible presence and make efforts to support local community non-profits and programs that involve food, nutrition and well-being, sustainable agriculture, cooperative education and social change. We're a group of employees who care about not only what we do but how we do it.

About the Role: As a Supervisor/Buyer, you will be responsible for procuring, controlling, and managing product inventory for your department according to established policies. You will ensure that the product received meets the Co-ops standards for quality and coordinate how it is displayed in order to draw in customers. The Supervisor/Buyer acts as the go-to person for department needs in the absence of a manager. You will work with other department staff to provide the highest level of service possible to both internal and external customers.

Who You Are: You're excited about the Co-op's focus on providing local, organic, and sustainable products. You're organized and like maintaining a neat, clean, fully stocked, and visually appealing department. You're passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.

What You'll Do: You will oversee daily department operations, including stocking, facing, ordering, merchandising and inventory. In addition, you'll collaborate with other department team members to support the following areas:

  • Monitor staff and provide guidance and direction as required

  • Provide ongoing staff training, and coordinate/cover breaks

  • Know how to safely use all department equipment

  • Order efficiently to control product inventory

  • Oversee product receiving to ensure accuracy in invoicing, pricing, credits and returns, coding, and invoice routing

  • Set up/break down special displays and promotions

  • Break down and back stock deliveries that are not immediately stocked

  • Greet and offer assistance to customers

  • Treat people fairly, consistently and with respect

  • Know product locations in order to assist customers in finding what they need throughout the store

  • Abide by all co-op policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other company documents

  • Participate in required training and meetings

  • Keep the store orderly and clean

  • Perform all other duties as assigned by a supervisor

What You Bring: This role requires the following experience, skills and abilities:

  • Previous experience as a clerk in one or more grocery store departments

  • A positive attitude and collaborative spirit

  • Outstanding customer service skills

  • Willingness to be open, to learn and take on new responsibilities

  • Regular, predictable attendance

  • Effective communication skills in English

  • Ability to read and comprehend instructions

  • Demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness

  • Ability to work independently

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Ability to handle multiple demands

  • Adherence to deadlines

Nice-to-Haves: It's a bonus if you have one or more of the following:

  • Previous experience working as a Buyer

  • Prior experience supervising other employees

What You'll Get: Willy Street Co-op is one of Madison's best-kept secrets in terms of a great place to work. As part of a full benefits package, we offer flexible schedules and great co-workers, along with the following:

  • Amazing health insurance benefits with low deductibles and out of pocket maximums (for full-time employees)

  • Employer-paid dental and life insurance benefits (for full-time employees)

  • Voluntary benefit plans, including vision and disability coverage (for full-time employees)

  • Paid Time Off

  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

  • Employee discount at our stores, wellness coupons, bike-to-work reimbursement, and much more!

Physical Requirements:

  • Standing, walking, bending, and reaching

  • Using hands or fingers to handle or feel

  • Specific vision ability: close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and adjust to focus

  • Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds

Work Environment: Fast paced retail environment with food service equipment and coolers and in cold/hot working conditions (i.e. cooler or near heated surfaces). Other high to moderate noise including but not limited to computers, cash registers, paging, telephones, music and human voices.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or the work environment change.

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