SUMMARY: Under supervision by the Director of Purchasing, exercises a high-level commodity expertise and negotiation and problem-solving ability within the assigned commodity Team. Continually strives to meet the needs and expectations of Markon’s Member-Distributors and to provide them with a competitive edge. May bedesignated as a Pod Leader* which entails guiding a commodity Pod’s goals and results.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following and other duties as may be assigned:
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
- Acts as a source of knowledge within a designated Pod Team; gathers market information and understands and communicates market conditions and variables
- Creates timely, accurate price sheets
- Creates competitive bids that work for Member-Distributors
- Processes order bookings, order changes and adjustments
- Tracks Member product volume and addresses shortfalls
- Works effectively with Customer Support staff to ensure timely and accurate information and problem resolution
NEGOTIATION
- Acts as a resource for designated categories; determines market pricing levels and uses that information to offer value
- Exhibits appropriate skills to negotiate prices, products, delivered sales, etc.
- Builds strong procurement relationships through excellent service and category expertise
- Chases availability and price deals; seeks out new products and grows designated categories through deals and promotions
*POD LEADERSHIP ASSIGNMENT
- Accepts accountability for the Pod Team’s annual growth
- Guides the work of the Pod Team’s members
- Models and provides opportunities for individual and Pod Team growth, collaboration and success
- Effectively guides the work Product Support staff to ensure the timely completion of tasks
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that allows for the successful completion of the essential functions; typically, through a Bachelors or Associates degree in business, agriculture or a related field and 2+ years of experience in a purchasing capacity, preferably in produce.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Strong Word, database, Excel and general computer abilities, along with the ability to learn new software quickly
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to respond to basic inquiries from the public, co-workers, and business affiliates and effectively respond to questions from the President, co-workers, affiliates, and business contacts
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, compile data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Job Expertise – Demonstrates competency in job knowledge and essential responsibilities
Communication Skills - Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills, as well as listening skills
Customer Service Skills – Demonstrates tact, courtesy and attention with internal and external contacts
Judgment & Problem Solving - Decisions and actions are sound, evaluates solutions and selects appropriate courses of action, involving others as necessary
Planning & Organizing – Develops short and long range goals and uses various tools to enhance personal effectiveness and team success
Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Builds an environment that fosters teamwork and positive, supportive cooperation
Reliability - Consistently demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, professionalism and dependability, ensures work is completed in a timely manner
Leadership Skills – Models high standards of leadership; willingly exerts extra effort as needed to get the job done, delegates as appropriate, demonstrates ‘big picture” thinking, commitment and flexibility
WORKING CONDITIONS - Working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
IRONMENT
- Approximately 95% of the time performing job duties is spent indoors in a standard office environment
- Approximately 80% of the time is spent on the computer and telephone
- Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Frequently: sit, reach with hands and arms; grasp with hands and fingers
- Continuously: sit, use hands to type and key a computer and telephone, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, hear and speak
TRAVEL
- May occasionally travel locally and nationally
