Free Shipping on select Mother's Day Gifts while supplies last!*
  1. Position - Buyer

POSITION – BUYER


ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hickory Farms, Inc. is a mission and values driven enterprise and is one of North America’s leading specialty food and gift purveyors. The Company was founded in 1951 in the pastoral farm country of Northwest Ohio. Hickory Farms products are a hallmark gift for those who appreciate rich and savory foods. Based in Toledo, Hickory Farms brings the best of Midwest values to consumers in North America and the U.S. Armed Forces all over the world. Customers can find Hickory Farms’ savory sausages, favorite cheeses and other gourmet foods online, in catalogs, in leading mass merchants, supermarkets and approximately 750 retail shopping centers throughout the holiday season.


MISSION

  • Provide the highest quality products and customer experience.
  • Increase brand value by enriching family holiday traditions.
  • Promote giving, sustainability and community service.
  • Be the best premium specialty food company in North America.

QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Hickory Farms believes customer satisfaction and quality are key value drivers which have enabled it to earn EBITDA margins well ahead of the industry. In 2011 its reformulated Signature Summer Sausage earned the Gold Medal from The American Masters of Taste for product Superiority. In 2014, Hickory Farms’ Holiday Market locations received a consumer satisfaction index of 90 from Foresee Results, putting the Company at the Vanguard of the nation’s leading retailers.


POSITION SUMMARY

Develops and sources products for use in gift assembly for the following distribution channels; Direct Response, Retail, Wholesale, Canada and Franchisees, (hereafter, collectively referred to as “Distribution Channels”). Negotiates product prices and terms with vendors to meet both long- and short-term Company objectives. Ensures timely delivery of products. Establishes good working relations with internal and external distribution channels. Ensures the Company’s standards for product quality and cost are met.


KEY RELATIONSHIPS

  • Reports to: Commodity Manager
  • Internal: Product Management, Warehouse Group, Logistics Group, Finance and Accounting, Customer Service

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develops and/or sources products and packaging that support the Company’s Brand Management objectives and meets gross margin targets for all Distribution Channels while maintaining the Company’s quality standards. Works with vendors on formulations and reformulations for food products or works with vendors on prototyping and ship testing. Coordinates and manages RFP / RFQ events.
  • Negotiates pricing, terms, freight, marketing funds, and rebates to meet Company’s long and short term objectives, including gross margin initiatives.
  • Analyzes data to identify trends and opportunities to reduce cost and increase efficiencies. Analyzes and monitors commodity markets in order to forecast and project pricing on market driven products in order to time buys effectively. Utilizes economic advisors and suppliers. Advises upper management of opportunities for improvement.
  • Works closely with Brand Management and Product Development teams to source goods for year-round and seasonal gifting, as well as the development of new products. Keeps abreast of industry trends and makes informed recommendations to marketing groups.
  • Ensures accuracy of all product item information in the Company’s ERP inventory system for all facilities. Analyzes data from ERP inventory control system and all other sources to determine proper inventory levels with efficient distribution to all facilities. Identifies process and reporting improvements to increase efficiencies.
  • Ensures accurate and timely delivery of product with a minimum of excess inventory or disruption of the Company’s assembly schedule. Manages purchase orders to maximize freight efficiency.
  • Initiates purchase orders and executes follow-up to ensure timely delivery. Maintains frequent communications with suppliers and logistics to ensure all delivery date objectives are met. Provides updates to Brand Management, assembly and fulfillment with delivery exceptions.
  • Ensures products meet Federal, state and/or local regulations, including labeling. Assures all goods meet the Company’s quality standards and product specifications.
  • Procures product samples from vendors for the Distribution Channels with the exception of Franchisees and Creative departments as needed.
  • Assists the Quality Assurance Director in developing and maintaining product specifications for all products purchased.
  • Negotiates resolutions regarding quality issues with suppliers. Monitors vendor liable scrap
  • Works with Receiving and Finance to resolve any receiving discrepancies. Works with Finance to address issues regarding costs, invoicing, payment terms, and chargebacks.
  • Enforces vendor compliance with the HF Vendor Expectations Handbook.
  • Coordinates all aspects of labeling process with vendors, Quality Assurance, Brand Management, Product Management and outside printers.
  • Evaluates vendor performance (i.e., quality of product, on-time delivery). Conducts annual vendor reviews.
  • Travels to vendor facilities, trade shows and educational seminars, when needed.
  • Ensures product information loads properly into our transportation management system (TMS) and vendors comply with all procedures and updates.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or Supply Chain.
  • Minimum 1 to 3 years’ experience in buying, marketing or merchandising.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS 

  • Focus on growth and results-oriented. The successful candidate has demonstrated personal accountability for delivering stability to an organization while building efficient, “best-of-class” support teams. They will possess a “pioneer” mentality and are willing to wear multiple hats to get results.
  • Outstanding communications skills. The successful candidate will interact with both frequent and focused dialogue with all members of the senior leadership team, as well as the Private Equity ownership group; enjoy strong negotiating skills; and be open and candid with peers, subordinates and partners.
  • A high-energy, team-oriented leader. The successful candidate will have a passion for leading a highly professional team and will instill a strong sense of team spirit with peers and subordinates. This person will lead by example and instill confidence in his/ her staff. We aspire to find an executive with a “fire in the belly” who enjoys rolling up his/ her sleeves, leading from the frontlines, while working in a team-centric environment.
Resumes may be faxed or e-mailed (as Microsoft Word or PDF attachment)

Fax 419.897.6839
ATTN:
Hickory Farms, Inc.
Human Resource Dept.
human.resources@hickoryfarms.com