Meat Buyer

Position Summary

The Meat Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing purchasing and cost management of fresh and frozen meat products for Talpa Supermercados. This role ensures product availability competitive pricing and quality standards across all store locations.

The Meat Buyer will play a critical role in driving margin performance by managing supplier relationships negotiating contracts and aligning purchasing strategies with sales forecasts and promotional plans.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Vendor Management

• Source and procure fresh and frozen meat products from approved suppliers
• Negotiate pricing terms and contracts to ensure competitive cost structures
• Maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure quality consistency and reliability
• Evaluate supplier performance (pricing service level product quality)

Market Analysis & Pricing Strategy

• Monitor commodity markets and industry trends (beef pork poultry)
• Adjust purchasing strategies based on cost fluctuations and market conditions
• Partner with leadership to support retail pricing strategies and promotions
• Identify opportunities for margin improvement

Inventory & Demand Planning

• Align purchasing volumes with sales forecasts seasonality and promotions
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing overstock
• Support inventory turnover and reduce shrink/spoilage
• Collaborate with distribution and store teams to ensure timely replenishment

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet USDA and company quality standards
• Monitor cold chain compliance and product handling procedures
• Address quality issues with vendors and implement corrective actions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Store Operations (demand planning and execution)
  • Finance (cost tracking and margin analysis)
  • Distribution/Logistics (inventory flow and delivery schedules)
• Support new store openings and category expansion initiatives

Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Track and report key metrics including:
  • Cost per pound
  • Margin by category
  • Inventory turnover
  • Vendor performance
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership

Qualifications

Required

• 37 years of experience in meat purchasing grocery buying or retail procurement
• Strong knowledge of meat products cuts and industry pricing dynamics
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing contracts
• Strong analytical and financial acumen (Excel/ERP systems preferred)
• Knowledge of USDA and food safety regulations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Preferred

• Experience in supermarket retail or multi-unit grocery operations
• Background in Hispanic/ethnic retail markets
• Experience with high-volume purchasing environments

Recommended Performance Metrics

• Cost savings vs. market index
• Gross margin improvement (%)
• Inventory turnover and shrink reduction
• Vendor performance and service levels
• On-time product availability across stores

Strategic Note

Given the direct impact of meat purchasing on profitability it is recommended to tie incentives to cost savings margin improvement and supplier performance as these are the primary levers for financial success in this role.