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Retail Grocery Cost Negotiator

Food World Plus
Full-Time | Permanent, In-Office | Mississauga, ON, Canada

Position Summary

The Retail Grocery Cost Negotiator is responsible for negotiating product costs, supplier agreements, rebates, promotional funding, and purchasing terms with manufacturers, distributors, and vendors. The position focuses on maximizing gross margins while maintaining product quality, reliable supply, and competitive retail pricing. This role requires strong analytical skills, market awareness, and the ability to build long-term supplier partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiate product costs across grocery, frozen, dairy, meat, produce, seafood, deli, bakery, health & beauty, and general merchandise categories.

• Secure competitive pricing, promotional allowances, rebates, volume discounts, freight incentives, and payment terms.

• Review supplier cost increases and negotiate reductions or delayed implementation whenever possible.

• Analyze market pricing, commodity trends, competitor activity, and supplier cost structures to support negotiations.

• Develop annual cost savings initiatives and identify opportunities to improve gross margins.

• Maintain strong working relationships with vendors while protecting the company's financial interests.

• Collaborate with buyers and category managers on product sourcing and assortment decisions.

• Participate in contract negotiations, including pricing agreements, exclusivity arrangements, and supply commitments.

• Evaluate new suppliers and negotiate onboarding terms.

• Monitor vendor performance related to pricing, service levels, fill rates, and quality standards.

• Resolve pricing discrepancies and invoice issues with suppliers.

• Support promotional planning by negotiating temporary price reductions, marketing funds, and advertising support.

• Prepare cost analyses, negotiation reports, and savings summaries for senior management.

• Ensure supplier agreements comply with company policies and applicable regulations.

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency and reduce overall procurement costs.

• Collaborate with merchandising and buying teams to build merchandising calendar of events and promotions, including displays and loyalty programs.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary education in Business, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Finance, or a related field is preferred.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in grocery purchasing, procurement, vendor management, or cost negotiation.

• Experience negotiating with food manufacturers and grocery distributors in the CPG industry is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of grocery retail operations and product categories.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and purchasing/ERP systems.

• Ability to analyze financial data, pricing models, and gross margin performance.

• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.

Preferred Knowledge

• Grocery retail pricing strategies

• Vendor rebate programs

• Promotional funding negotiations

• Freight and logistics cost management

• Commodity market trends

• Inventory management principles

• Contract administration

• Retail gross margin analysis

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Annual negotiated cost savings

• Gross margin improvement

• Vendor rebate and promotional funding secured

• Supplier compliance with negotiated agreements

• Purchase cost variance

• Inventory cost optimization

• Vendor service level performance

• On-time completion of contract renewals

Core Competencies

• Strategic Negotiation

• Financial Acumen

• Analytical Thinking

• Relationship Management

• Commercial Awareness

• Decision Making

• Communication

• Problem Solving

• Time Management

• Integrity and Professionalism

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with occasional travel to supplier facilities, trade shows, and industry events.

• Regular interaction with vendors, distributors, buyers, and senior management.

• Periodic deadlines related to annual vendor negotiations and promotional planning.

Success in This Role

A successful Retail Grocery Cost Negotiator consistently secures competitive product costs and favorable supplier agreements that improve profitability while maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring reliable product availability for customers.