Job Description

TITLE: Bulk Hub DEPARTMENT: Bulk Hub

STATUS: FT, Coordinator, Union, Hourly REPORTS TO: Bulk Hub Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY: To ensure the highest level of service possible to Outpost’s internal and external customers. Maintain the operations and service of the bulk distribution. Supervise and motivate bulk hub staff to uphold high standards in the department. Ensure a well maintained, clean, and efficient bulk hub department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Regular work near moving mechanical parts (i.e. baler, dock equipment) and high precarious places (i.e. ladder work). Ability to work in moderate and loud noise environments including, but not limited to: computers, paging, telephones, human voices, and machinery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Customer Service

a. Treat people fairly, consistently, and with respect.

b. Ensure efficient, informative, and friendly service according to established customer service vision and standards.

1. Bulk Hub Department Responsibilities

Leadership

a. Model supportive and participatory leadership qualities, promote team building and motivate staff to achieve stated objectives.

b. Treat all co-workers with consistency and fairness, in a style appropriate to a cooperative work environment.

c. Ensure that communications are clear, direct, and respectful.

d. Ensure the integrity of Outpost’s stated values in decision-making and interactions with others.

e. Use the interest-based problem solving method to resolve issues.

f. Ensure professional and friendly service from staff.

g. Act as a model to all employees following both the union contract and employee handbook.

Department Operations

a. Pre-pack bulk items, bag and label products for sale.

b. Pull and assemble orders for fulfillment.

c. Manage Bulk Foods inventory on hand and ensure 95% of products ordered are delivered.

d. Oversee, troubleshoot, and maintain bulk product transfer and packaging systems to fulfill needs.

e. Properly record damaged product, credits, and returns.

f. Ensure aisles, back stock and storage areas are kept clean, neat, and free of debris.

g. Develop information appropriate for bulk bin labels using available sign template.

h. Maintain master bulk product nutrition and allergen information and COO database.

i. Uphold department safety guidelines to ensure the safety of all department staff.

j. Advise Assistant Manager of equipment / replacement needs.

k. Attend department meetings as scheduled.

Ordering and Receiving

a. Stay up to date on the products Outpost carries and new products in the industry.

b. Evaluate suppliers; Investigate and recommend new sources of products.

c. Follow the established guidelines in Outpost’s Product and Pricing Policy for new product approval and deletion of slow-selling products.

d. Use controlled forward buying when applicable to take advantage of additional discounts.

e. Order from vendors to ensure department par levels are maintained.

f. Receive and process deliveries, check product condition and invoice accuracy upon delivery, and ensure proper product rotation.

g. Ensure deliveries are stocked in a timely manner.

h. Ensure proper handling of products to ensure a safe and quality product.

i. Assist with product returns and receive credit from suppliers as needed.

j. Report problems with product and/or suppliers to Assistant Manager.

k. Recommend product line changes, reduction, elimination, sales items, etc. to address brand and market trends.

l. Assist in inventory control including: accurate recording of losses and markdown of products, maintaining invoices for accuracy and price changes, and assisting in inventories.

Personnel

a. Assign daily tasks to bulk hub staff.

b. Develop and uphold performance standards for staff with assistance from the Assistant Manager.

c. Schedule staff according to weekly labor budget. Arrange for coverage of vacant shifts and fill in as needed.

d. Work with Assistant Manager to hire qualified staff within established policies.

e. Ensure training for all department staff. Successfully complete training checklists with new department staff.

f. Motivate and provide staff with the tools and materials required to ensure high quality and efficient job performance.

g. Provide timely, thorough and thoughtful performance evaluations to staff in coordination with the Assistant Manager.

h. Recommend to Assistant Manager corrective counseling measures and/or disciplinary action as needed for all department staff, according to established personnel policies.

i. Ensure that department meetings are conducted to maintain effective communication with staff.

1. All Staff Duties

a. Abide by all Co-op policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other company documents.

b. Keep store orderly and clean.

c. Maintain a positive attitude.

d. Perform all other duties as assigned by Assistant Manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Outstanding customer service skills
• Bulk product knowledge and a basic understanding of the Natural Foods Industry
• Bulk Hub experience at Outpost Natural Foods preferred
• Experience with stocking, ordering, and receiving in a retail setting
• Supervisory experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to appropriately delegate work duties, train, manage, and motivate staff
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple demands and work under time pressures, and meet deadlines
• Willingness to be open, to learn, and take on new responsibilities
• Demonstrate objectivity, neutrality, and calmness under pressure
• Effective communication skills in English
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Ability to follow through on systems, procedures and policies
• Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced environment

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing, walking, bending, sitting, reaching
• Using hands or fingers to handle or feel
• Specific vision ability: close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and adjust focus
• Ability to climb up and down ladders
• Regular use of sharp cutting instruments
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE:

The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that the employee may be required to perform. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or a work environment change.