TITLE:  Bulk Hub Assistant                                  DEPARTMENT:  Bulk Hub

STATUS: FT, Assistant, Union, Hourly                    REPORTS TO:  Assistant Manager (Bay View)

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

1. Treat people fairly, consistently, and with respect.
2. Ensure efficient, informative, and friendly service according to established customer service vision and standards.

2.  Bulk Hub Department Responsibilities

Department Operations

1. Pre-pack bulk items, bag and label products for sale.
2. Pull and assemble orders for fulfillment.
3. Manage Bulk Foods inventory on hand and ensure 95% of products ordered are delivered.
4. Oversee, troubleshoot, and maintain bulk product transfer and packaging systems to fulfill needs.
5. Properly record damaged, credits, and returns. 
6. Ensure aisles, back stock and storage areas are kept clean, neat, and free of debris.
7. Develop information appropriate for bulk bin labels using available sign template.
8. Maintain master bulk product nutrition and allergen information and COO database.
9. Uphold department safety guidelines to ensure the safety of all department staff.
10. Advise Assistant Manager of equipment / replacement needs.
11. Attend department meetings as scheduled. 

Ordering and Receiving

1. Stay up to date on the products Outpost carries and new products in the industry.
2. Evaluate suppliers;  Investigate and recommend new sources of products.
3. Follow the established guidelines in Outpost’s Product and Pricing Policy for new product approval and deletion of slow-selling products.
4. Use controlled forward buying when applicable to take advantage of additional discounts.
5. Order from vendors to ensure department par levels are maintained.
6. Receive and process deliveries, check product condition and invoice accuracy upon delivery, and ensure proper product rotation.
7. Ensure deliveries are stocked in a timely manner.
8. Ensure proper handling of products to ensure a safe and quality product.
9. Assist with product returns and receive credit from suppliers as needed.
10. Report problems with product and/or suppliers to Assistant Manager.
11. Recommend product line changes, reduction, elimination, sales items, etc. to address brand and market trends.
12. 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

1. 1. 1. 1. Assign daily tasks to bulk hub staff.
         2. Positively encourage department staff to excel at their job.
         3. Provide guidance and motivation and properly answer questions for department staff.
         4. Prepare schedule within guidelines as provided by Assistant Manager.
         5. Replace vacant shifts when call-ins, etc. occur and notify manager of these occurrences.
         6. Train and coach department staff.
         7. Ensure bulk hub staff is following department standard operating procedures.
         8. Assist Manager with employee job performance;  Properly document employee performance during shift, when necessary.
         9. Assist Manager in informing staff of any changes in policies and procedures affecting department staff.

Other

1. Perform all duties in department Journeyperson and Clerk job descriptions.
2. Perform Manager duties in their absence.

3.  All Staff Duties

1. Abide by all Co-op policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other company documents.
2. Keep store orderly and clean.
3. Maintain a positive attitude.
4. Perform all other duties as assigned by department manager or supervisory staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Outstanding customer service skills
• Bulk product knowledge and a basic understanding of the Natural Foods Industry
• Experience with stocking, ordering, and receiving in a retail setting

• Supervisory experience
• 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

• Regular, predictable attendance

• 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
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word

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.