Participates in all buying and merchandising activities. Essential functions and process responsibilities include the following: other duties may be assigned as necessary:

The Associate BDM II / Associate Buyer II is the orientation job for the Business Development career path, designed to acclimate the Partner to the H-E-B Procurement environment and build key relationships required for the BDM / Buyer role.

Independently learns and participates in all buying and merchandising activities relating to specific categories assigned with training BDM / Buyer.

Participates in and learns the process of strategic planning, category/commodity buying, merchandising, pricing, assortment decisions, category development and overall best practices in conjunction with their training BDM / Buyer.

Works with assigned BDM to learn and participate in decisions on assortment, product placement, acquisition timing, distribution and financial results related to such decisions.

Leads Grocery department projects on key initiatives that interact with all merchants, Directors, VPs, and other departments when needed.

Works collaboratively with Shelf Edge, Supply Chain, Product Information, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, and other related areas.

Independently manages own category, or portion of larger category.

Develops strategies for categories.

Manages cost negotiation activities with vendors ensures products are competitively priced, meeting price image objectives and financial objectives.

Manages pricing projects and new initiatives from concept to implementation.

Ensures consistent pricing communication materials and branding throughout pricing programs and processes, policies and other H-E-B initiatives.

Works collaboratively with BDMs / Buyers, providing input to develop category strategies.

Manages cost and retail relationships to support marketing and merchandising strategies.

Education and experience preferred:

Previous retail or commodity buying highly preferred but not required.

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or related field or comparable experience.

4+ years' experience in Business, Merchandising / Procurement or Store Operations.

Moderate PC skills including Microsoft Office Suite software, as well as computer software programs required by the job.

Working knowledge and experience in systems, process and analysis.

Working knowledge and experience in the product information data flow, category trends, promotional planning and category performance analysis.

Key competencies preferred:

Good organization and project management skills.
Good analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines (strong multitasking capabilities).
Good written / verbal communication and presentation skills.
Good negotiating and influencing skills.
Ability to navigate through the organization.
Ability to work collaboratively on a cross-functional team and company-wide initiatives.
Ability to comprehend product information data flow (item, vendor, cost, price).
Ability to solve problems within and across departments.
Provides proactive solutions with limited direction and input.
Demonstrates initiative and willingness to take risks.

Physical and other requirements:

Function in a fast-paced, retail, office environment.
Travel by car or airplane with overnight stays.
Sit for an extended period of time.
Lift 20 lbs or more on a regular basis.
Work extended hours.