Buyer I/Buyer

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

Summary

The Associate Buyer partners closely with the Category Manager to support the execution of category strategies and merchandising programs. While the Category Manager retains accountability for overall category strategy and financial performance, this role focuses on executing assortment plans, supporting supplier relationships, and delivering insights that inform category decisions. The Associate Buyer contributes to category performance by analyzing data, supporting promotional planning, and ensuring effective implementation of initiatives.

Core Functions

The core job functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Executes assigned categories, brands, or merchandising programs, ensuring alignment with Category Manager and enterprise objectives


• Leverages customer trends and category strategies to develop and execute product assortment and promotional planning recommendations in alignment with the Category Manager


• Exercises independent judgment in evaluating supplier proposals, promotional opportunities, and program effectiveness based on financial, competitive, and customer data


• Develops and presents analyses and category recommendations to division leadership and Committees


• Evaluates category and program performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities and proposing course corrections where appropriate


• Partners cross functionally with the Category Manager, Pricing, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure effective implementation of category initiatives, including identifying risks and opportunities


• Makes presentations to Committee

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required


• Prior experience in procurement, merchandising, category management, or related business functions preferred


• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to assess business impact and risk


• Demonstrated ability t

• Experience working with procurement, merchandising, or ERP systems (e.g., RAPID, SAP PMR)


• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and committees


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment


• Supermarket, retail, or consumer goods experience preferred


• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands


• Ability to sit/stand in front of a computer for long periods of time


• Ability to adhere to the company’s four day a week in office work requirement


• Ability to travel as required

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$95,000 annually. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.

About The Work

*This job description is intended to set forth the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of the work performed by associates for this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates to do this job.Associates may be assigned additional responsibilities as necessary. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require associates to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or the work environment changes. This document describes the position currently available and is not an employment contract.*

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.*

*The position covered by this Job Description is expressly declared to be “at will,” meaning Wakefern has the right to terminate the incumbent’s employment at any time, with or without cause. Any written or oral promises or representations to the contrary are expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any associate. Any change to this “at will” employment status must be in writing and signed by the Vice President of Human Resource.*