Full-time (30-40 hrs/week) position available. Shifts are Tuesday-Saturday. Hours to be determined. Purpose: With the Purchasing and Merchandising Manager, lead the oversight and optimization of retail category performance including packaged grocery, refrigerated/frozen, bulk, wellness, beer, wine, cheese, and mercantile. Support purchasers in data analysis, category resets, and purchasing/receiving duties.Specific Responsibilities of Purchasing and Merchandising SpecialistCategory ManagementAnalyze industry and consumer trends and competitor activities; develop product, promotion, placement, and pricing strategies in collaboration with Purchasing & Merchandising, Marketing, and Scan Managers and purchasing team, to increase sales and margin dollars.Evaluate customer feedback and implement changes to enhance the overall customer experience and drive customer loyalty.Lead category resets through evaluation of available data (item movement, SPINS data, out of stocks, etc.) and collaborate with purchasers on assortment and merchandising strategy to optimize category performance.Evaluate suppliers, investigate new product sources, and review new item suggestions from purchasers.Purchasing and Inventory MaintenanceBe a backup for and meet established deadlines of the NCG Promotions Liaison role and Purchaser orders as needed.Effectively use tools and follow established systems for all steps of inventory control, purchasing, and receiving orders for all Retail Operations departments. Take active leadership role in maintaining inventory processes and ensuring accurate inventory; participate in cycle counts and scheduled inventories as directed.Communicate with Purchasing Team about inventory levels, expiration dates, and product concerns.Develop and maintain cordial and professional relations with vendors, solicit suppliers for promotional offerings, and ensure returns and credit from suppliers where applicable.Purchase product for the CWM Warehouse as directed.Research, purchase, and manage merchandising fixtures and tools.Adhere to CFC Purchasing Policy.Stocking, Promotions, and MerchandisingEnsure shelves/coolers are efficiently and accurately stocked, prioritizing key items and with awareness of product rotation, dating, shelf appearance, out-of-stocks, and facings.Under the guidance of the Purchasing & Merchandising Manager, work with the Marketing Manager and the Scan Manager to implement and support advertising and promotions programs and special events.Coordinate cross-departmental promotions and merchandising; support the sampling program.Help plan and implement floor sets, end caps, signage, and other merchandising tasks and projects.OtherOperate manual and electric jacks and forklift following all safety protocols to protect people, products, equipment, and facilities; maintain forklift certification.Obtain and maintain crown stacker certification as directed. Assist manager in relaying communication to the purchasing team and other departments.Cashier as directed; maintain alcohol certification.Attend meetings, trainings, and visit competitors as assigned.Complete other projects and duties as assigned.Experience in a retail sales, purchasing, or a warehouse setting that demonstrates the ability and aptitude to successfully meet expectations listed above.Excellent communication, prioritization, and organization skills, and strong attention to detail required.Ability to work effectively as a member of team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, employees, vendors, and the public.Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, experience with Excel, Word, internet and email required.Analytical mindset with experience interpreting data and making data-driven decisions preferred; category management experience preferred.Forklift certification required (may be obtained upon hire).Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; early morning, daytime, evening, holiday, and weekend shifts required.Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. throughout shift, occasionally up to 50 lbs; ability to stand for long periods and to bend and twist repeatedly; ability to lift product overhead and/or to climb ladders with product.Ability to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer and work in a shared office space.