Assistant Buyer

We’re looking for an Assistant Buyer to support the selection and procurement of specialty and imported grocery products across all Italian Centre Shop locations.

This role will be based out of our Edmonton Little Italy location, where you’ll collaborate with the Corporate Buyer, connect with our teams, and help ensure our stores are stocked with high-quality, in-demand products. You’ll play a key role in building supplier relationships, analyzing trends, and supporting the consistent availability of products across all locations.

At the Italian Centre Shop, working with us feels like being part of a family. We value, reward, and promote team members who are passionate about food, family, and community, and who are committed to doing a great job.

Perks of the role include:

• Free lunch with most shifts

• Yearly bonus

• Health benefits for full-time employees

• Opportunities to learn and grow

• Onsite parking

• Flexible work schedule

SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Corporate Buyer, the Buyer will effectively and efficiently work to procure items for our retail stores.  This role is dedicated to sourcing and managing a curated selection of imported and specialty grocery items—ranging from artisanal pastas and sauces to cured meats, olive oils, confections, and ethnic pantry staples. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of global food cultures, supplier networks, and consumer preferences in niche grocery markets.  Working with our suppliers, you will negotiate prices and consider the company’s profitability before placing orders.  You will also make sure that product supply is uninterrupted through inventory control and proper ordering procedures.  More specifically, the Buyer has the following Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the ICS both in and out of the store.
• Promote a positive company image by actively engaging with employees, customers, suppliers and the community.
• Assist Italian Centre Staff in dealing with difficult customers as escalations occur by offering education and knowledge regarding product.
• Promote ICS in the community by attending events and networking.
• Conduct self-guided research to become familiar with what produce products are available as well as their cost and benefits to develop purchasing strategies and identify buying trends to keep the business profitable.
• Support staff effectiveness through ongoing mentoring, coaching and communicating performance objectives.
• Source and purchase specialty and imported grocery items, with a focus on Italian, Mediterranean, and European products
• Maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers and importers to secure the best quality, pricing, and exclusivity
• Analyze market trends, sales data, and customer feedback to identify opportunities and gaps in product assortment
• Analyze cost management, inventory turns, and waste minimization for high-value and perishable goods
• In conjunction with the Corporate Buyer and stores, negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules with vendors and logistics partners
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of import regulations, customs documentation, and compliance standards
• Attend trade shows and supplier meetings to discover new products and trends
• Analyze and recommend company wide ordering to coordinate stock levels, determining strategies for overstock, seasonal trends and marketing.
• Gather, maintain and communicate data to analyze trends, e.g. shrink, sales, promotions, etc.
• Plan, monitor and appraise results and procedures to make recommendations for improvement.
• Communicate the approved vendor selection, manage and seek business relationships to work with and support retail operations.
• Negotiate policies and contracts with various suppliers.
• Manage compliance with contracts in relation to deliveries. Including quality of products and working out solutions with the suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and company values
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Supply Chain Management, International Trade or a related field; or a combination of education and experience.
• Project management skills would be considered an asset.
  
  

Experience

• Culinary curiosity and passion for authentic food experiences. In-depth knowledge of supplier networks, international food products and global food trends.
• Extensive knowledge of products sold, or aptitude to learn in a timely manner.
• Minimum 3–5 years of buying or category management experience, with a focus on specialty or imported grocery products.
• Familiarity with import logistics, customs clearance, and relevant food safety regulations.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proficient in data analysis, forecasting, and inventory planning tools.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, data analysis tools and retail management software.
  
  

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent listening skills and communication skills, both verbally and written.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a professional image at all times.
• Can work independently with little direct supervision.
• Have a well-balanced concern for both tasks and people.
• Have a genuine concern for the needs of customers.
• Strong attention to detail and product quality.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills.
• Analytical and mathematical capabilities to compare prices and quantities and consider vendor contract terms.
• Ability to evaluate market conditions and various suppliers.
• Willingness to make quick and thoughtful decisions on behalf of the company.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Required to work a variety of shifts including mornings, days, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime.
• Required at times to work with challenging customers and/or situations and the public at large.
• Exposed to hot and cold environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Long periods of working at a computer.
• Extensive sitting, standing and walking.
• Frequent motions include bending, twisting, squatting, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
• Includes manual and repetitive tasks.
• On occasion, you may be required to lift up to 13.6 kg (30 lbs.).