Category Buyer (Grocery Retail)

About Us

For over 65 years, Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets has proudly served Chicagoland with fresh produce, authentic groceries, specialty deli items, and imported goods from around the world. As a family-owned company, we are guided every day by our Purpose, Mission, and Values :

• Our Purpose: To nourish our community with fresh, authentic food while creating a shopping experience rooted in tradition and family.
• Our Mission: To provide the highest-quality fresh foods, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates our Italian heritage and serves all cultures in our community.
• Our Values:
• Family: Treating our employees, customers, and partners like family.
• Quality: Offering only the finest products and service.
• Integrity: Acting honestly and responsibly in all that we do.
• Community: Supporting and giving back to the neighborhoods we serve.
• Tradition: Preserving our heritage while embracing innovation to meet customer needs.

Position Summary

The Category Buyer will oversee category department product selection, vendor relationships, pricing strategies, and category growth across multiple Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets locations. This role requires strong product knowledge, leadership, and negotiation skills to ensure consistency and profitability across stores, while aligning with our purpose, mission, and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Multi-Location Category Management
• Oversee specific category planning and product assortment across several Caputo’s stores.
• Ensure consistency in product mix, quality, and merchandising across locations while tailoring offerings to meet community preferences.
• Develop and execute promotional and seasonal plans across multiple markets.
• Vendor Relations & Negotiations
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers and distributors.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and promotions for products distributed to multiple store locations.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure consistent quality and timely deliveries.
• Operational Leadership Across Stores
• Partner with store directors and managers at various locations to ensure successful execution of category initiatives.
• Provide product training, standards, and operational guidance to category managers and teams across multiple stores.
• Support store openings, remodels, and resets for category departments as needed.
• Financial & Strategic Planning
• Monitor sales performance, margins, and inventory efficiency across all category departments.
• Prepare consolidated reports for leadership, including category trends and store comparisons.
• Identify opportunities for growth, cost savings, and innovation that can be implemented chain-wide.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of grocery, foodservice, or retail buying experience (multi-location experience preferred).
• Proven vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing category performance across multiple stores is highly valued.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret sales and margin data.
• Ability to travel between store locations as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Employee discount at all Caputo’s Fresh Markets locations.
• Be part of a company built on tradition, family, and community.