Imperial Trading
Buyer / Category Manager
Imperial Trading Co., LLC is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Buyer/Category Manager to join the Elmwood, LA purchasing team. The role is responsible for sourcing high‑quality products, negotiating favorable terms, analyzing market trends, and collaborating with sales, inventory, and operations to forecast needs and streamline the purchasing process.
Location: Elmwood, LA (also New Orleans, LA). Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
Benefits
Wellness Program
Employer‑paid basic life policy with competitive buy‑up options
Disability insurance
401(k) with employer match
Minimum Requirements
College degree or work experience equivalent
Knowledge and understanding of purchasing processes
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to negotiate, establish, and process contracts
Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
Accurate and precise, attention to detail
Able to make decisions in a fast‑paced environment
Work independently and in a team environment
Dependable
Self‑motivated
Background in foodservice and convenience store inventory procurement preferred
Travel up to 10% required for regional trade shows
Summary of Duties Maintain optimum in‑stock service levels to retailers and achieve inventory investment goals and profits. Proactively provide the most comprehensive offering of products and services to enhance sales and profits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Additional duties which are necessary to carry out the function of the Category Manager may be assigned and are incorporated by reference into this job description.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment relative to matters of significance related to management and general operations.
Execute daily duties of replenishment buying, including administering vendor due orders, level and regular SKU order points, history exceptions, and accurate promotional demand accuracy and plans.
Compare service forecast to actual, inventory forecast to actual, and service level accuracy; implement necessary modifications and measurable timeline strategies to maximize inventory investment and service level performance.
Adjust demand forecasts, analyze lead times, implement and modify accurate seasonal profiles, and set SKU buyer status.
Analyze vendor lines and categories, eliminate dead stock, slow‑selling items, and SKU duplication; identify, notify, and implement SKU substitutions as needed.
Liaise with operations on all SKU‑related issues, including UPCs, dead stock, vendor pickups, damages, and new item slot requests.
Set up new products and promotions within appropriate categories, classes, components, and sales forecast in a timely and accurate manner.
Process vendor bill‑backs for all relevant sales & marketing programs, including allowances and sales spiffs, internal and external sample requests, and damages not invoiced from Innovative Return Concepts.
Maintain accurate vendor price lists, terms, and conditions of sale; update allowances and price changes; manage invoice variances, discrepancies, or vendor payback requests.
Notify relevant departments—operations, accounting—of deal and forward buy purchase orders, expenditures, cases, and expected delivery; work with operations to ensure timely receipt of purchase orders.
During scheduled time off (employee handbook compliant) ensure work tasks are completed in advance or assigned to other personnel.
Follow up on all internal sales personnel requests for new items, research, and status.
Attend work, meetings, and scheduled business affairs on time, as directed by the Senior Category Manager; complete listed tasks competently.
Physical Demands The physical demands of this job include light physical activity performing administrative and technical tasks. The employee must regularly talk or hear, reach with hands or arms, stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Occasionally, the employee must sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift 10 to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment The work environment includes occasional risk of electrical shock and moderate noise levels.
Equal Employment Opportunity Imperial Trading Co., LLC’s hiring and employment practices are based on job qualifications, performance, and/or conduct without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
At‑Will Employment All employees are at‑will and may resign at any time without reason. The Company may terminate an employee at any time with or without reason or notice. Nothing in the Employee Handbook or other documents constitutes a guarantee of continued employment or benefits.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
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Location: Elmwood, LA (also New Orleans, LA). Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 per year.
Benefits
Wellness Program
Employer‑paid basic life policy with competitive buy‑up options
Disability insurance
401(k) with employer match
Minimum Requirements
College degree or work experience equivalent
Knowledge and understanding of purchasing processes
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to negotiate, establish, and process contracts
Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
Accurate and precise, attention to detail
Able to make decisions in a fast‑paced environment
Work independently and in a team environment
Dependable
Self‑motivated
Background in foodservice and convenience store inventory procurement preferred
Travel up to 10% required for regional trade shows
Summary of Duties Maintain optimum in‑stock service levels to retailers and achieve inventory investment goals and profits. Proactively provide the most comprehensive offering of products and services to enhance sales and profits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Additional duties which are necessary to carry out the function of the Category Manager may be assigned and are incorporated by reference into this job description.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment relative to matters of significance related to management and general operations.
Execute daily duties of replenishment buying, including administering vendor due orders, level and regular SKU order points, history exceptions, and accurate promotional demand accuracy and plans.
Compare service forecast to actual, inventory forecast to actual, and service level accuracy; implement necessary modifications and measurable timeline strategies to maximize inventory investment and service level performance.
Adjust demand forecasts, analyze lead times, implement and modify accurate seasonal profiles, and set SKU buyer status.
Analyze vendor lines and categories, eliminate dead stock, slow‑selling items, and SKU duplication; identify, notify, and implement SKU substitutions as needed.
Liaise with operations on all SKU‑related issues, including UPCs, dead stock, vendor pickups, damages, and new item slot requests.
Set up new products and promotions within appropriate categories, classes, components, and sales forecast in a timely and accurate manner.
Process vendor bill‑backs for all relevant sales & marketing programs, including allowances and sales spiffs, internal and external sample requests, and damages not invoiced from Innovative Return Concepts.
Maintain accurate vendor price lists, terms, and conditions of sale; update allowances and price changes; manage invoice variances, discrepancies, or vendor payback requests.
Notify relevant departments—operations, accounting—of deal and forward buy purchase orders, expenditures, cases, and expected delivery; work with operations to ensure timely receipt of purchase orders.
During scheduled time off (employee handbook compliant) ensure work tasks are completed in advance or assigned to other personnel.
Follow up on all internal sales personnel requests for new items, research, and status.
Attend work, meetings, and scheduled business affairs on time, as directed by the Senior Category Manager; complete listed tasks competently.
Physical Demands The physical demands of this job include light physical activity performing administrative and technical tasks. The employee must regularly talk or hear, reach with hands or arms, stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Occasionally, the employee must sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift 10 to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment The work environment includes occasional risk of electrical shock and moderate noise levels.
Equal Employment Opportunity Imperial Trading Co., LLC’s hiring and employment practices are based on job qualifications, performance, and/or conduct without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
At‑Will Employment All employees are at‑will and may resign at any time without reason. The Company may terminate an employee at any time with or without reason or notice. Nothing in the Employee Handbook or other documents constitutes a guarantee of continued employment or benefits.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
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