Category Specialist (Produce Procurement)

Overview: Topco Associates is currently seeking a Category Specialist to join our Produce Team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtual twice per week. Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership. The Category Specialist coordinates a variety of procurement and administrative activities, including processing purchase orders, maintaining item information, coordinating pricing and promotional updates, and managing vendor documentation. This position also serves as a primary point of contact for routine order-related questions and issues, working directly with members, suppliers, and carriers to help ensure accurate, timely transactions and a high level of service. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who enjoys working with people, managing details, and keeping business processes organized and on track. You'll gain hands-on experience with purchasing systems, supplier relationships, and category operations while developing a strong foundation in procurement and the grocery industry. Responsibilities: Essential Responsibilities Purchasing & Category Operations Process and manage purchase orders accurately and within established timelines, coordinating with suppliers, members, and carriers to support timely product delivery. Coordinate item setup and maintenance, ensuring product information and related documentation are complete and accurate. Process pricing updates, promotional information, and other category-related changes in the appropriate business systems. Support inventory and product availability coordination by communicating order updates, identifying discrepancies, and following up on outstanding items. Maintain accurate purchasing and category information to support efficient operations and reliable reporting. Coordinate routine procurement activities and provide day-to-day operational support to Category Managers and other team members. Member & Supplier Service Serve as a primary point of contact for routine purchase order and transaction-related questions from Topco members, suppliers, and carriers. Follow up on orders, deliveries, and outstanding issues to confirm appropriate handling and resolution. Communicate order updates, discrepancies, and other relevant information promptly and professionally. Partner with members, suppliers, carriers, and Topco Accounting to research and resolve routine billing and invoicing discrepancies. Recognize issues that require additional attention and escalate more complex matters to the appropriate Category Manager or internal partner. Build productive working relationships by providing responsive, accurate, and dependable service. Vendor Administration & Compliance Coordinate the completion and submission of required documentation for new supplier setup and approval. Maintain supplier records and monitor documentation to help ensure vendors meet Topco requirements, including Product Supply Agreements (PSAs), Certificates of Insurance (COIs), and applicable food safety documentation. Follow up with suppliers to obtain outstanding documentation and address administrative requirements. Work with internal stakeholders to support supplier onboarding and ongoing compliance processes. Reporting & Team Support Prepare and maintain reports, spreadsheets, and other documentation used to support category operations and business planning. Coordinate materials and information for member and supplier business reviews and planning sessions. Use available systems and reporting tools to research …

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