Operations Specialist

Are you looking for a role that allows you to work in a hybrid environment? That positions you for career growth and personal development? That gives you an opportunity to learn the retail industry and business software including Salesforce and SAP? Then look no further. 

Here at Topco Associates we are looking for an Operations Specialist to manage orders, analyze and problem-solve supply chain-related requests, and provide exceptional support to our Members, regional grocery retailers and wholesalers across the US.  In this entry-level role, you will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the retail, wholesale, consumer packaged goods, private-label, and store brands industries.  This role positions you for a future career in Category Management, Sourcing & Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chain, Master Data, Treasury and so much more. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and remotely twice per week.

As the largest retail cooperative in the United States, Topco helps its member-owners operate like a virtual national grocery chain. Together, we provide access to better products, lower prices and more robust services for regional grocery retailers and wholesalers. And to achieve this, we employ some of the best and brightest professionals in the industry. As a vital part of America’s supply chain, Topco's membership collectively represents billions in annual retail sales volume with thousands of stores. As a Topco associate, your efforts help support over 10,000 local communities.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

• Support Topco’s Members by reviewing and approving

  incoming orders through SAP to identify and provide solutions for any discrepancies to ensure orders transmit automatically to our suppliers

• Problem solve incoming Member and Vendor requests in Salesforce CRM, SAP, and supply chain visibility system FourKites (this includes supply chain assistance providing tracking information, shortage information, notification of pricing discrepancies, item additions/removal from orders, etc.)

• Communicate with key stakeholders through Salesforce to ensure orders are shipped complete and on time

• Identify problematic order relationships to proactively address root cause and create mutually beneficial supply chain efficiencies

• Develop and promote positive working relationships with our Members, suppliers, and associates

• Utilize SAP and Excel to develop and analyze reports on supply issues

• Four-year college degree in business, supply chain, agribusiness, finance, communications, or related area preferred, or combination of education and experience conferring equivalent skills.   

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Up to 1 year of previous work experience (internship or other part-time work)

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

• Detail-oriented

• Must be able to problem-solve

• Excellent time-management skills

Benefits:

• Medical / dental / vision benefit begin on day 1
• 401K employer match & profit sharing
• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000/year
• Hybrid work environment
• Learning & development opportunities such as soft skills training
• 18 days of PTO prorated to your start date

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

Keywords: Supply Chain, Grocery, Logistics, SAP, Salesforce, Customer Service, Order Processing