Reports to: Wellness Manager

Hourly, Full-time

32-40 hours/wk, one weekend shift required

Linden Hills Co-Op is looking for a Wellness Buyer to join our team. The role is to ensure product variety and values that satisfy Linden Hills customers, to merchandise products effectively, to manage inventory levels, and to set pricing to meet department margin goals.

Job Responsibilities:

• Customer Service. Provide prompt, friendly, courteous customer service. Answer questions on nutrition and natural products within legal guidelines, referring to other staff and resources when appropriate.
• Receiving Orders. Assist in the daily receiving of all orders. This includes checking in product, stocking with proper rotation and filling displays, scanning and processing invoices and completing each order fully. All Wellness staff is required to receive orders daily in addition to all other duties.

• Ordering. Place orders, or provide guidance to other staff in placing orders, with established suppliers to maintain appropriate in-stock levels. Research new and alternative products and supply sources. Negotiate with suppliers for favorable prices, terms, quality, and delivery. Set prices to achieve margin while maintaining competitive value. Coordinate returns and credit from suppliers as needed. Ensure accurate prices are in scanning system and on department signs for new items.
• Financial performance. Continuously monitor and evaluate pricing, margins, and movement of designated product lines to meet department margin goals. Exercise awareness of designated product lines' impact on other lines and total department picture. Maintain adequate but not excessive inventory levels.
• Merchandising. Display products in an attractive, inviting, accessible manner in accordance with Wellness merchandising policies. Continuously evaluate designated product lines with respect to customer wants, holistic health trends, and fit with other department offerings.
• Knowledge development. Stay current on new products and specials. Stay current on Linden Hills Coop customer policies, including returns, special orders, etc. Attend vendor-sponsored trainings and other training opportunities as opportunities arise. As time permits, read department reference materials and use the Internet and other resources to increase knowledge. Also, serve as a resource for other Wellness staff as customer questions arise; work with Wellness management to identify training needs and develop and deliver training.
• Work area maintenance. Maintain work spaces and office equipment in an orderly manner and share them respectfully.
• Communication and cooperation. Attend Wellness department meetings and communicate regularly with Wellness staff to ensure department cohesion and customer satisfaction. Read department log book at the beginning of every shift. Work with other buyers, the Wellness manager and the Purchasing Team to coordinate promotions planning, optimize the department's product mix, and promote continuous mutual learning.
• Backstock. Work with Wellness staff to coordinate running backstock and knowledge of all backstock in the department. Communicate through the log book what backstock was completed each shift.
• Safety. Work in a safe manner, following safety procedures. Perform other tasks as assigned by Wellness management.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 years' experience in fast-paced retail environment
• At least 2 years' experience working with health and body care products, or equivalent training in holistic health care
• Computer literacy
• Demonstrated customer service skills, including ability to project friendly, outgoing presence
• Demonstrated strong verbal communication skills, both in person and over the telephone, including the ability to give clear instructions
• Demonstrated excellent listening skills
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment to complex or ambiguous situations, applying appropriate limits and boundaries to customer interactions
• Demonstrated ability to sustain a strong focus on detail and maintain a prolonged commitment to tasks
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible in the face of changing priorities
• Knowledge of major Wellness suppliers and lines sufficient to make effective purchasing, pricing, and merchandising decisions
• Knowledge of vitamins, supplements, and natural personal care products sufficient to educate customers about the product and promote satisfaction with their selections
• Knowledge of natural foods, especially herbs, spices, and teas, sufficient to educate customers about the product and promote satisfaction with their selections
• Familiarity with holistic health and nutrition books
• Familiarity with general merchandise of the kind carried at Linden Hills Co-op
• At least 1 years' experience with retail ordering and merchandising
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrated ability to deal respectfully and calmly with challenging people and situations

Environmental Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. occasionally, 30 lbs. frequently
• Prolonged standing and walking on the sales floor
• Frequent bending, twisting, stooping, and crouching
• Ability to climb ladders
• Ability to perform continuous fine work with hands

Twin Cities Co-op Partners has an ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusiveness. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other status category by applicable law. People with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by UFCW 663.