Senior Program Specialist (Hybrid)

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Senior Program Specialist for the meat procurement team in Itasca, IL.  This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office and virtually.  

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 Senior Program Specialist is responsible, under general supervision, for the daily execution for the categories they support and ensuring categories are purchased at a total lowest cost of ownership, achieve maximum member participation, and enhance the competitive position and profitability of Topco member companies. The Senior Sourcing Specialist is responsible for achieving department goals (productivity), resolving issues with member orders, plans, schedules and promotions, and assisting the sourcing lead by inputting necessary data into the system.

Procurement

• Assist sourcing managers with category reviews
• Participate in vendor meetings
• Complete saving analysis
• Vendor scorecard

Member (Relationship/Requests)

• Respond to Vendor/Member Inquiries
• Send and review vendor upload for accuracy to the vendors and members
• Answer member service inquiries such as pricing, promos, specs, deductions, etc.
• Request all information on new member ramp up and complete analysis prior to sending to program management

Operational

• Forecasting or planning volume requirements
• Review and approve carton markings for import orders
• Set up/approve new items
• Request new/updated PSA/COI
• Update item specs
• Send price changes to member services for implementation and resolve pricing errors on upload form
• Request pricing and promo allownances from supplier
• Request/send samples
• Participate in QA cuttings
• Set up productivity projects
• Request and maintain rebates/VI's
• Complete and submit vendor setup/change forms, electronic payment forms
• All other duties as assigned

Education:

• Four-year college degree preferred in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Business Administration or equivalent experience

 Technical skills:

• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Highly developed analytical skills, including vast experience with MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed market/supplier research and analysis

Previous Experience:

• 1-5 years experience in retail operations, customer service, buyers assistance level or equivalent experience

Other qualifications:

• Strong Financial/Analytical
• Ownership/Accountability
• Problem Solving/Decision Making
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written   communication and customer relationship skills
• Strong process and project Management Planning
• Strong comfort level using Internet or other web-based tools
• Results oriented, high organizational skills, able to multi-task.      
• Strong attention to detail
• MS Excel, Word, and Power Point, web based tools

Topco strives for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.