An Associate Buyer is responsible for purchasing product and managing inventory from a group of manufacturers. Labatt Food Service buys only nationally branded products of high and consistent quality. The Associate Buyer uses proprietary software to replenish inventory at 5 distribution centers in Texas and New Mexico. The Buyer’s objective is to maintain high inventory turn combined with a high fill rate for customers. Buyers interact continuously both with the food manufacturers and with Labatt sales representatives throughout two states.

In addition, an associate buyer at Labatt is responsible for:

• Helping to execute marketing promotions

• Working as a team with other buyers in purchasing

• Working with sales and management to effectively problem solve

The direct manager is Dustin Hubertus, Director of Purchasing. You are also mentored through frequent interactions with senior buyers. The Associate Buyers who do best at Labatt must have: the ability to think strategically, aptitude to effectively solve problems in a fast paced environment, discipline to work independently, an enjoyment for working and effectively communicating with others, and a commitment to the success of the overall organization. The most important personal characteristics of an associate buyer is cooperativeness and willingness to help.

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Successful buyers have majored in English, History, Agriculture, Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain.

Labatt managers who began their careers as buyers have become District Sales Managers, Director of Purchasing and CEO.