EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in beverage purchasing, procurement, or category management in a high-volume retail, wholesale, or beverage industry environment.
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and inventory management.
• Experience in alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, including national brands, craft, and emerging products.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, Power Query, and large dataset analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP or procurement systems a plus (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills; ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting tight deadlines.

• Lead the strategic procurement of beverage categories with a focus on cost optimization, quality, and supply continuity.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with company goals, considering market trends, consumer preferences, vendor capabilities, and category dynamics.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and negotiator for high-level beverage supplier relationships; build long-term partnerships that support growth and innovation.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) including cost of goods sold (COGS), service levels, inventory turns, and product freshness.
• Leverage advanced Excel functions (e.g., pivot tables, XLOOKUP, Power Query, dynamic dashboards) to analyze large datasets, model cost scenarios, forecast demand, and guide purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, merchandising, logistics, and finance to support product launches, promotions, and category planning.
• Forecast demand by analyzing market conditions, consumer trends, seasonality, and promotional impact; ensure optimal inventory levels across distribution points.
• Manage the end-to-end promotional planning process, including execution and post-analysis, to maximize sales and margin performance.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks by developing contingency plans and securing alternate sources of supply.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, vendor agreements, and regulatory requirements related to beverage sourcing and sales.
• Mentor and guide junior buyers and analysts, sharing best practices and fostering professional growth.
• Partner with warehouse and operations teams to maintain product flow, ensure inbound accuracy, and resolve supply discrepancies quickly.
• Oversee resolution of accounts payable discrepancies, invoice variances, and supplier billing issues.