Latest Job Opening for Food & Beverage Industry  Job #05008 About our client Our client is a rapidly growing chain of full-service grocery stores offering consumers the highest quality natural and organic products at the lowest possible price. Position Location Vice President of Purchasing Nearest Metro City: Phoenix, AZ Salary Reports to Highly competitive package, commensurate with experience Chief Operating Officer Responsibilities 1) Achieves required annual sales and margin goals as set by the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors 2) Manages and directs all aspects of the merchandising team including the execution of the merchandise planning process through analyses, evaluation of product, maximization of inventory turnover, contribution to margin goals, and maximization of the gross margin of all products 3) Identifies merchandising process and implementation of new items that will add to the product line 4) Manages the development, marketing and quality of all private label product 5) Develops and manages the implementation of pricing strategies for entire product line 6) Manages item selection for purchasing, pricing and placement for all private label and branded merchandise 7) Management and direction for company’s 110,000 sq. foot Distribution Center 8) Responsible for inventory management and inventory turns for all product located at DC 9) Develops and maintains strong relationship with the Vice President of Operations and team to improve implementation of company initiatives and merchandising plans 10) Oversees the coordination of the merchandise plan-o-grams through category analyses and quantitative feedback 11) Coordinates and directs inventory planning for all locations 12) Develops the long-term and annual marketing plan; including strategies, tactics and resources necessary to achieve system and goals 13) Provides leadership, direction and management of the market research function then analyses and adjusts marketing strategy to meet changing market and competitive conditions 14) Oversees monitors and directs competitor analysis of products, sales and marketing activities 15) Plans and oversees advertising and promotion activities including print, online, and shared/direct mail 16) Establishes and maintains a consistent corporate image throughout all product lines, promotional materials, and events 17) Other duties as assigned Requirements 1) Requires a B.S./B.A. degree in a business or marketing related field 2) MBA preferred and/or equivalent work experience 3) Must have a minimum of 10 years grocery retail operations and purchasing experience with an emphasis in marketing 4) Previous experience in a natural foods environment is preferred, but not required