Ricardo Santos
Carolina,RI
Summary
Dynamic and proactive retail and procurement professional with over 20 years of progressive experience at Walmart Puerto Rico. Known for managing the entire end-to-end buying process — from product approval and vendor sourcing to pricing, logistics, and final execution at the store shelf. Extensive expertise in perishable categories including produce, deli, bakery, frozen foods, and floral. Skilled in turning market trends and consumer behavior into actionable purchasing and assortment strategies. Highly collaborative, commercially focused, and compliant with U.S. and Puerto Rico regulatory standards. Bilingual (Spanish/English) with a strong ability to lead across departments and with global supplier networks.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Deli Buyer & Fresh Compliance Lead
Walmart
01.2023 - Current
- Procured high-quality deli products, ensuring variety in meat, cheese, salads, and prepared foods.
- Stayed updated on customer preferences, market trends, and seasonal products.
- Identified and negotiated with suppliers to obtain the best prices and terms.
- Built strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable delivery and quality products.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste.
- Coordinated with inventory management teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Ensured all deli products met health and safety standards through regular quality checks.
- Developed pricing strategies that were competitive and aligned with market trends.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop promotional strategies and merchandising plans.
- Ensured all products adhered to local, state, and federal regulations.
- Maintained accurate records of purchases and supplier agreements.
- Conducted regular quality checks and addressed any issues with suppliers promptly.
Produce & Floral Buyer
Walmart
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Sourced and procured fresh produce and floral products to meet customer demands.
- Established and maintained relationships with growers, wholesalers, and suppliers.
- Negotiated pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to secure the best deals.
- Ensured all produce and floral products met quality, freshness, and safety standards.
- Monitored stock levels and managed inventory turnover to minimize waste and spoilage.
- Developed and implemented pricing strategies that were competitive and aligned with market conditions.
- Worked closely with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies.
- Ensured all products complied with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Conducted market research to understand customer preferences and industry trends.
- Promoted environmentally sustainable practices in sourcing and purchasing.
Deli & Bakery Buyer
Walmart
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Selected a variety of deli and bakery products, including meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, and prepared foods.
- Identified and established relationships with suppliers and vendors.
- Ensured all deli and bakery products met high standards of quality, freshness, and safety.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste.
- Developed and implemented competitive pricing strategies for deli and bakery products.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and merchandising plans.
- Ensured all products complied with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Monitored customer feedback and addressed any complaints regarding deli and bakery products.
- Managed budgets for deli and bakery procurement.
Commercial Bread & Bakery Buyer
Walmart
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Chose a wide range of bread and bakery products, including breads, rolls, pastries, cakes, and specialty items.
- Identified and established relationships with local, regional, and national suppliers.
- Ensured all bread and bakery products met high standards of quality, freshness, and safety.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste.
- Developed and implemented competitive pricing strategies for bread and bakery products.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and merchandising plans.
- Ensured all products complied with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Monitored customer feedback and addressed any complaints regarding bread and bakery products.
- Managed budgets for bread and bakery procurement.
- Promoted environmentally sustainable practices in sourcing and purchasing.
Frozen Meat Buyer
Walmart
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Identified and selected a variety of frozen meat products, including beef, poultry, pork, lamb, and specialty meats.
- Established and maintained relationships with local, regional, and national suppliers.
- Ensured all frozen meat products met high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste and stockouts.
- Developed and implemented competitive pricing strategies for frozen meat products.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and merchandising plans.
- Ensured all products complied with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Monitored customer feedback and addressed any complaints regarding frozen meat products.
- Managed budgets for frozen meat procurement.
- Promoted environmentally sustainable practices in sourcing and purchasing.
Cold Cuts & Seafood Buyer
Walmart
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Identified and selected a wide range of deli and seafood products, including meats, cheeses, prepared foods, fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood specialties.
- Established and maintained relationships with local, regional, and international suppliers.
- Ensured all deli and seafood products met high standards of quality, freshness, and safety.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste and spoilage.
- Developed and implemented competitive pricing strategies for deli and seafood products.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and merchandising plans.
- Ensured all products complied with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Monitored customer feedback and addressed any complaints regarding deli and seafood products.
- Managed budgets for deli and seafood procurement.
- Promoted environmentally sustainable practices in sourcing and purchasing.
Produce & Floral Assistant Buyer
Walmart
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Assisted in identifying and selecting a diverse range of floral and produce products.
- Conducted market research to understand customer preferences, seasonal trends, and new product opportunities.
- Helped establish and maintain relationships with growers, wholesalers, and suppliers.
- Ensured all floral and produce products met high standards of quality, freshness, and safety.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste and spoilage.
- Supported the development and implementation of competitive pricing strategies.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and merchandising plans.
- Ensured all products complied with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Monitored customer feedback and addressed any complaints regarding floral and produce products.
- Assisted in managing budgets for floral and produce procurement.
- Promoted environmentally sustainable practices in sourcing and purchasing.
General Merchandise Assistant Buyer
Walmart
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Assisted in tracking and managing the assortment of general merchandise products.
- Communicated with suppliers to place orders, follow up on deliveries, and resolve any issues.
- Monitored inventory levels and coordinated with the inventory control team to manage stock.
- Supported the development and implementation of pricing strategies.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop merchandising plans.
- Maintained accurate records of product information, purchases, and supplier agreements.
- Monitored customer feedback and addressed any complaints or issues related to general merchandise products.
- Ensured all products complied with company policies and regulations.
UPC Specialist – Home Office
Walmart
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Managed item creation, order processing, and supplier support for all buyers at corporate level.
- Maintained pricing and product data accuracy.
- Trained suppliers on completing required documentation for item setup (Form 33).
UPC Associate – Store Level
Walmart
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Audited inventory, pricing, and department-level operations in-store.
- Investigated cashier discrepancies and supported inventory counts in perishables.
- Participated in cross-store audits to ensure operational accuracy.
Education
MBA - Marketing
Universidad Ana G. Méndez
01.2009
BBA - Management
Universidad Ana G. Méndez
01.2007
Skills
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Operational Management
- Strategic Planning & Development
- Forecasting
- Due Diligence
- Budgets
- Market Research
- QA/QC
- Cost Savings
- Processing
- Purchasing
- Sales
- Trend Analysis
- Product Assortment Planning
- Merchandise Planning
- Global Sourcing
- Business Administration
- Supplier & Supply Chain Management
- Inventory Management
- Purchasing Strategic
- Sourcing and Procurement
Certification
- Six Sigma Black Belt – LinkedIn Learning (2023)
- Six Sigma White Belt – LinkedIn Learning (2023)
Awards
Buyer of the Year – 2015, 2017, 2018, Store Support Associate – FY22 & FY23, Risk Taker Award – FY23, Impact Award – FY22
Timeline
Service Deli Buyer & Fresh Compliance Lead
Walmart
01.2023 - Current
Produce & Floral Buyer
Walmart
01.2018 - 01.2023
Deli & Bakery Buyer
Walmart
01.2017 - 01.2018
Commercial Bread & Bakery Buyer
Walmart
01.2015 - 01.2017
Frozen Meat Buyer
Walmart
01.2013 - 01.2015
Cold Cuts & Seafood Buyer
Walmart
01.2012 - 01.2013
Produce & Floral Assistant Buyer
Walmart
01.2010 - 01.2012
General Merchandise Assistant Buyer
Walmart
01.2008 - 01.2010
UPC Specialist – Home Office
Walmart
01.2005 - 01.2008
UPC Associate – Store Level
Walmart
01.2002 - 01.2005
BBA - Management
Universidad Ana G. Méndez
MBA - Marketing
Universidad Ana G. Méndez
Similar Profiles
Anna Marie CasinovaAnna Marie Casinova
Associate at WalmartAssociate at Walmart
Ashley LawrenceAshley Lawrence
Order Filler at WalmartOrder Filler at Walmart
Charitha VemulaCharitha Vemula
Retail Associate (Part-Time) at WalmartRetail Associate (Part-Time) at Walmart
Felicia MaxwellFelicia Maxwell
Fashion Team Associate at WalmartFashion Team Associate at Walmart
Holly ConstableHolly Constable
Residential Worker at The Galilee MissionResidential Worker at The Galilee Mission