Dan Gregory
Cleveland ,OH
Summary
Produce Buyer with extensive experience in produce procurement and merchandising. Strong skills in relationship building, communication and data-driven decision-making contribute to optimized purchasing strategies and improved customer satisfaction.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Produce Buyer
Marc's Grocery Store
Cleveland, OH
10.2019 - Current
- Analyzed market trends to optimize purchasing decisions and inventory management.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with suppliers to enhance product quality.
- Answered/responded to over 50 phone calls, text messages and emails daily.
- Collaborated with store management to develop effective merchandising strategies for produce displays.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure freshness and safety of all purchased products.
- Reviewed bids and contracts to place appropriate orders.
- Ordered produce products and maintained appropriate back stock levels.
- Streamlined communication channels between the procurement department and store-level employees, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
- Achieved greater cost efficiency by negotiating contracts with new suppliers and maintaining relationships with existing ones.
- Monitored competitor activities closely to identify potential threats or opportunities within the market landscape.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices in produce procurement and inventory processes.
- Established strong relationships with local farmers to source seasonal products directly, enhancing store offerings.
- Conducted seasonal analysis of consumer preferences to inform strategic buying decisions and optimize product offerings.
- Identified emerging consumer trends and adjusted purchasing decisions accordingly for increased profitability.
- Leveraged strong analytical skills to evaluate sales performance data, identifying areas for growth opportunities within the fresh produce category.
- Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring consistent availability of high-quality products in a timely manner.
- Enhanced inventory control through regular assessments, monitoring stock levels, and implementing efficient ordering processes.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes for informed purchasing choices, maximizing gross margin potential across various categories of produce.
- Forecasted market trends accurately to maintain optimal stock levels during peak seasons or periods of fluctuating demand.
- Attended industry trade shows regularly to stay updated on innovations in agricultural practices, packaging materials, and supply chain technologies.
- Evaluated market trends and purchasing patterns to forecast demand for agricultural products.
- Researched and evaluated vendors to select suppliers best suited to meet organizational needs.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors for favorable product pricing, terms and conditions.
Transportation Logistics Manager
Marc's Grocery Store
Cleveland, OH
10.2017 - 10.2019
- Oversaw and coordinated all inbound Produce deliveries
- Carrier base of 4-5
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence.
- Analyzed historical shipping data to identify trends, anticipate demand fluctuations, and inform strategic planning decisions.
- Assisted in the development of budget forecasts and maintained strict adherence to financial targets, proactively identifying areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Reviewed and negotiated contracts with carriers to optimize shipping costs.
- Negotiated contracts with outside providers and rates for facility leases to minimize costs to company.
- Developed logistics strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency and improve service levels.
- Established vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and ensure reliable service delivery.
- Reduced transportation costs through careful analysis of carrier contracts and negotiation of favorable terms.
- Improved on-time delivery rates by closely monitoring performance metrics and addressing issues proactively.
Produce Warehouse Associate
Marc's Grocery Store
Cleveland, OH
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Scanned in and put away Produce in designated cooler areas
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks for efficient order fulfillment.
- Sorted and organized inventory to optimize storage space and accessibility.
- Conducted regular inventory audits to maintain accurate stock levels.
- Assisted in training new associates on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Worked safely around moving machinery.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve daily targets and complete tasks efficiently.
- Performed inventory control, such as counting, and stocking merchandise.
- Consistently lifted materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.
- Manually or mechanically loaded and unloaded materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles
- Operated various types of equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks safely while moving products throughout the facility.
- Assisted in training new hires, sharing best practices and providing support for their integration into the team.
- Completed regular cycle counts to maintain accurate inventory records.
- Contributed to a cleaner workspace with daily upkeep and scheduled deep cleaning sessions.
- Maintained clean, orderly work environment free of hazards.
- Successfully navigated large shipments of materials through tight spaces and busy facilities.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto and off of trucks for fast shipment.
Produce Field Merchandiser
Marc's Grocery Store
Cleveland, OH
01.2013 - 10.2015
- Oversaw 15 Produce Departments
- Developed and implemented effective merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices in product placement and inventory management.
- Analyzed sales data to optimize stock levels and improve product assortment.
- Coordinated promotional displays to align with marketing initiatives and seasonal trends.
- Streamlined inventory processes, reducing excess stock while maintaining optimal product availability.
- Coordinated seasonal transitions within stores, diligently updating displays according to current trends while minimizing disruption to the shopping experience.
- Assisted in the successful launch of new products by effectively implementing promotional materials and coordinating in-store events.
- Maintained open lines of communication with retail partners, proactively addressing any concerns or issues related to merchandising execution or product performance.
- Supported sales growth by conducting regular price checks to ensure adherence to company pricing policies and regional market trends.
- Developed strong relationships with store managers and staff to ensure effective communication and seamless execution of merchandising initiatives.
- Contributed to the development of regional merchandising strategies, collaborating with fellow team members and sharing valuable insights from in-store experiences.
- Maintained awareness of product knowledge information, merchandise promotions and advertisements set forth by marketing team.
- Increased product visibility by executing strategic merchandising plans and maintaining visually appealing displays.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries about products, guiding customers toward suitable options, and assisting with purchasing decisions.
- Merchandised cases from back room to sales floor by filling display units or shelves with products.
- Installed and placed permanent and paper point of sale materials.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with customers.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions and product features.
- Developed creative displays and signage to draw customers to products.
- Planned and organized sampling events by working hand-in-hand with retail store managers and leaders.
Produce Department Manager
Marc's Grocery Store
Cleveland, OH
11.2003 - 01.2013
- Produce Department Manager at 6 different Marc's locations
- Had a staff of anywhere from 6 to 12 employees
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate pricing and secure high-quality products for department.
- Analyzed sales data to inform purchasing decisions and optimize product assortment.
- Drove initiatives to increase organic produce offerings based on customer demand trends.
- Ensured accurate pricing and signage, maintaining compliance with company guidelines and regulations.
- Oversaw daily maintenance tasks such as cleaning, trimming, watering plants, ensuring an appealing shopping environment for customers at all times.
- Streamlined department processes for increased efficiency and productivity.
- Reduced waste and shrinkage by implementing proper inventory management techniques.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional product quality and freshness.
- Established performance metrics for staff members, regularly reviewing progress toward individual goals as well as overall department objectives.
- Fostered a positive work environment, leading to high employee morale and retention.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates on company policies or initiatives while promoting open dialogue among staff members for continuous improvement.
- Maintained produce area and kept produce storage area clean and sanitary.
- Purchased produce following guidelines of marketing plan.
- Boosted grocery sales with top-notch merchandising abilities and expertise in implementing effective promotions.
- Orchestrated performance-oriented environment by closely supporting team members.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Led daily operations of produce department, ensuring optimal inventory management and product quality.
- Implemented efficient stock replenishment processes to reduce waste and improve freshness.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance customer service and product knowledge.
- Oversaw compliance with health and safety regulations within the produce department.
- Enhanced team performance through regular feedback and performance evaluations.
- Addressed customer inquiries promptly, providing knowledgeable guidance on product selection and usage recommendations.
- Successfully managed seasonal transitions within the department, offering a diverse range of products year round.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for consistent product availability and competitive pricing.
- Implemented creative merchandising strategies, resulting in increased sales and profitability.
- Coordinated with other departments for cross-merchandising opportunities, increasing visibility of produce offerings throughout the store.
- Collaborated with store management to achieve overall store goals and targets.
- Maximized use of available space through effective layout planning and product placement strategies in the department area.
- Maintained accurate records of employee schedules, time-off requests, payroll submissions for efficient workforce management.
- Coached and mentored new team members.
- Assisted customers with produce questions.
- Planned attractive produce displays, using color and texture to enhance.
- Selected items for specials and marked down items to reduce losses.
- Maintained produce display, and prep and storage areas in clean and orderly condition.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Parma Senior High School
Parma, OHNo Degree - Business Management
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OHSkills
- Vendor evaluation
- Supplier relations
- Food safety regulations
- Purchase order management
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Relationship building
- Transportation planning
- Merchandising strategies
- Pricing strategy
- Cost management
- Performance tracking
- Industry trends
- Promotion planning
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Purchasing strategies
- Professionalism
- Purchasing and procurement
Timeline
Produce Buyer
Marc's Grocery Store
10.2019 - Current
Transportation Logistics Manager
Marc's Grocery Store
10.2017 - 10.2019
Produce Warehouse Associate
Marc's Grocery Store
10.2015 - 10.2017
Produce Field Merchandiser
Marc's Grocery Store
01.2013 - 10.2015
Produce Department Manager
Marc's Grocery Store
11.2003 - 01.2013
High School Diploma -
Parma Senior High School
No Degree - Business Management
Cleveland State University