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Procurement Innovation Specialist
Additional Considerations (if any):
At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Job Title: Procurement Innovation Specialist
Department: Procurement
Pay Type: Salary
Revision Date: 2/2026
Job Summary:
Supports procurement innovation initiatives with a primary focus on Specialty and HealthMarket categories. Leads research, supplier discovery, and item evaluation efforts to identify emerging products, trends, and vendor partners that enhance Hy-Vee’s differentiated assortment. Collaborates with Category Managers, Merchandising, and cross-functional teams to evaluate new item opportunities, strengthen supplier partnerships, and drive strategic assortment expansion within the Procurement department.
Reporting Relationships:
Accountable and Reports to: AVP, Procurement
Direct Reports: None
Key Responsibilities:
- Leads the research and identification of innovative Specialty and HealthMarket product opportunities, emerging brands, and supplier partners aligned with Hy-Vee’s strategic procurement objectives.
- Independently analyzes market trends, consumer behavior, competitive landscapes, and industry innovations to develop recommendations that influence purchasing decisions and assortment strategy.
- Owns and manages the end-to-end new item onboarding and evaluation process, ensuring required documentation, cost analysis, margin expectations, and compliance requirements are complete and accurate.
- Identifies, evaluates, and recommends new or alternative suppliers based on quality, differentiation, financial viability, innovation potential, and alignment with Hy-Vee standards and values.
- Partners with Category Managers and Merchandising to support go-to-market planning, product launches, and promotional alignment for Specialty and HealthMarket items.
- Assists in negotiating and reviewing cost structures, product specifications, and supplier capabilities in coordination with Procurement leadership.
- Monitors performance of newly onboarded items and vendors, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for expansion, rationalization, or improvement.
- Participates in industry trade shows, supplier meetings, and innovation forums to identify emerging trends and sourcing opportunities.
- Manages multiple innovation and sourcing initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timelines, priorities, and deliverables are met with minimal supervision.
- Supports cross-functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Store Operations to ensure seamless product introduction and ongoing supplier performance.
- Performs other strategic and analytical duties as assigned to support procurement innovation and long-term growth objectives.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, marketing, or a related field preferred.
- 2–4 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, product development, or a related field preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Visual requirements include: ability to see detail at near and far range with or without correction.
- Must be physically able to perform light work: occasionally lifting or carrying objects of no more than 20 pounds, and frequent standing or walking.
- Must be able to perform the following physical activities: stooping, kneeling, reaching, handling, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Worker Characteristics:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
- Commitment to the Hy-Vee Mission and a willingness to promote the values of the company.
- Strong interpersonal skills. An ability to relate to and interact with other people in a friendly, professional manner.
- Ability to identify problems, develop and execute solutions.
Working Conditions:
- The duties of this position are performed in a general office environment.
- There may be occasional travel for supplier visits, trade shows, market research, or industry events.
- There is frequent pressure to manage timelines and meet deadlines across multiple projects.
Confidentiality:
Has access to confidential information, including supplier pricing, contract terms, sourcing strategies, and proprietary business plans.
Has access to confidential information, including supplier pricing, contract terms, sourcing strategies, and proprietary business plans.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
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