Walter Kalina
Valhalla,NY
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a strong background in purchasing, inventory control and vendor management. Having productive organizational skills and being a highly dependable candidate who is successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Grocery Buyer
Stew Leonard's
11.2011 - Current
- Total goods purchased in 2023 totaled 18 million dollars
- Responsible for increasing total Grocery sales over 87 million dollars while maintaining Gross Profits of 32% or better.
- Analyze sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points while maintaining quarterly inventory and financial goals.
- Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
- Develop private label items to compete and replace national brands across Grocery portfolio.
- Leverage data and analytics to make informed buying decisions and drive business improvements.
- Devise and implement policies and procedures for optimal purchasing methods, cost and inventory control.
- Provide managers with information to execute pricing mark-ups or mark-downs.
- Negotiate contracts, agreements and discounts with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and terms.
- Evaluate product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Cultivate relationships with wholesalers and distributors to increase inventory availability.
- Track purchase orders and follow up with vendors and carriers to support timely deliveries.
- Maintain up-to-date database of vendors, contracts and pricing to support accurate recordkeeping.
- Strategically divide inbound truckloads of product to support each stores inventory needs and prioritize busiest stores with proper inventory quantities.
- Make valuable contributions to the planning of promotions, pricing and inventory availability to increase revenue and profits.
Assistant Grocery Manager
Stew Leonard's
01.2004 - 10.2011
- Delegated tasks and duties to grocery staff and clearly communicated timeframes for completion.
- Organized efficient merchandise replenishment strategies to keep shelves stocked and well-organized for customers.
- Introduced new ordering and inventory methods, best practices, and systems to reduce run outs.
- Opened and closed locations and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
Grocery Supervisor
Stew Leonard's
01.2002 - 12.2003
- Engaged customers and provided very high level of service and support, helping find desired products and items.
- Performed key tasks to promote inviting grocery store appearance.
- Boosted grocery sales with top-notch merchandising abilities.
- Rotated grocery products ensuring that expired or spoiled items were immediately removed and adhered to "first in, first out" rule.
Grocery Clerk/Cart Attendant
Stew Leonard's
08.1999 - 12.2001
- Stocked shelves and organized merchandise displays for easy retrieval.
- Collected shopping carts from parking lot and returned to stand to keep lot organized.
Education
GED -
Center For Continuing Education
Yonkers, NY06.1997
Skills
- Procurement Management
- Inventory tracking and Replenishment
- Supply Chain Planning
- Accurate Recordkeeping
- Exemplary Communication Skills
- Price Negotiation
- Strategic Vendor Negotiations
- Vendor Relations
- Costing & Purchasing Procedures
- Pricing Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Profitability Evaluations
- Purchase order creation utilizing ordering software
- Purchase Order Management
- Utilizing company sales database for reporting
- Critical Thinking
- Corrective Actions
- Multitasking Strengths
- Web-Based Communication
Timeline
Grocery Buyer
Stew Leonard's
11.2011 - Current
Assistant Grocery Manager
Stew Leonard's
01.2004 - 10.2011
Grocery Supervisor
Stew Leonard's
01.2002 - 12.2003
Grocery Clerk/Cart Attendant
Stew Leonard's
08.1999 - 12.2001
GED -
Center For Continuing Education