• Responsible for buying and managing inventory levels of assigned produce categories for all Costco Canada warehouse locations for approximately 500 million in sales annually. • Train and manage a team of Inventory Control Specialists to ensure accurate forecasting• Review sales history, establish sales forecasts and program budgets to prepare future item projections• Manage international and national procurement programs simultaneously to create smooth transitions between seasons and crops• Negotiate item and program pricing while maintaining a positive relationship with category suppliers• Develop packaging design and pallet configurations for optimal merchandising displays and freight efficiencies• Discuss vendor contracts, program payment terms, and delivery methods for items to be sold• Test category products to ensure Costco cost and quality standards are being met• Adapt and resolve unexpected issues caused by weather patterns, seasonality, and international market demand• Create initial reports for new store openings including lists of item selection, initial forecasts, delivery deadlines and accurate in-store displays• Complete weekly profit margin reports on competitor pricing and product offerings• Coordinate shipments with carriers within Canada and the United States to optimize freight• Monitor and resolve discrepancies of import documentation to ensure proper customs compliance• Conduct occasional onsite inspections of supplier facilities• Acquire updated food safety documents and audit reports from suppliers• Fresh Produce Department

Organized and planned audits with external companies. Reviewed audits to ensure they met Costco standards.

As a Manager in Training in the 18 month UGRP program, I learned to manage large groups of people in many different departments of the store. I acted as a manager in:MerchandisingReceivingFront End Membership and ReturnsDeliBakeryMeat

Host, Perform and Serve audiences of 160.

Ran 2 machines, drove a forklift and how to manage inventory in a supply chain.