Mark Armstrong
Cultus Lake
Summary
Results-oriented produce procurement specialist with a proven history of sourcing top-notch products and securing advantageous agreements. Collaborative and skilled in working with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless supply chain operations and achieve company objectives. Recognized for adaptability and dependability in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Highly regarded for expertise in market analysis, vendor management, and maintaining optimal inventory levels. Committed to delivering high-quality produce at fair prices while providing exceptional service.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Produce Buyer
Pattison Food Group
03.2022 - Current
- Reviewed bids and contracts to place appropriate orders.
- Forecasted market trends accurately to maintain optimal stock levels during peak seasons or periods of fluctuating demand.
- Worked with Mike Liebe on Procurement contracts and rebate programs
- Achieved greater cost efficiency by negotiating contracts with new suppliers and maintaining relationships with existing ones.
- Coordinated promotional activities effectively with marketing teams, increasing visibility and interest in seasonal items or special offers.
- Developed strong partnerships with local growers, promoting sustainability initiatives and supporting community-based agriculture.
Regional Produce Manager (Specialist)
Save-On-Foods
02.2017 - 03.2022
- Supported 2 Regions/30 Stores
- Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
- Trained and supervised produce staff for optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
- Conducted regular inventory audits, addressing discrepancies and minimizing shrinkage due to theft or spoilage.
- Implemented effective merchandising techniques, leading to increased visibility of seasonal items and specialty products.
- Maintained safety standards throughout the departments, ensuring compliance with local regulations and company policies.
Produce Buyer
Save-On-Foods
03.2015 - 01.2017
- Reviewed bids and contracts to place appropriate orders.
- Forecasted market trends accurately to maintain optimal stock levels during peak seasons or periods of fluctuating demand.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes for informed purchasing choices, maximizing gross margin potential across various categories of produce.
- Achieved greater cost efficiency by negotiating contracts with new suppliers and maintaining relationships with existing ones.
- Learned A-series and Order Guides
Produce Manager - Nesters
Buy Low Foods
09.2013 - 02.2015
- Trained and supervised produce staff for optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
- Maintained produce display, and prep and storage areas in clean and orderly condition.
- Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through attentive service and consistent delivery of high-quality products.
- Conducted regular inventory audits, addressing discrepancies and minimizing shrinkage due to theft or spoilage.
- Purchased produce following guidelines of marketing plan.
- Improved produce department efficiency by implementing streamlined inventory management processes.
Retail Store Owner- Kokopelli Produce LTD
Myself
02.2008 - 07.2013
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
- Boosted sales revenue with targeted promotions that capitalized on seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
- Maximized profitability by periodically re-evaluating product pricing based on supplier costs, competitor prices, and customer demand.
- Managed daily operations efficiently, overseeing staff schedules, inventory control, and financial transactions.
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Cultivated loyal customer base by providing exceptional service, personalized recommendations, and timely resolution of issues or complaints.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Developed comprehensive marketing strategies to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
- Adapted quickly to changing market conditions by staying informed about industry news, competitor activities, and consumer behavior shifts in real-time fashion retail trends.
Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods
05.2005 - 10.2007
- Increased sales on average of 19% each year
- Increased the net profit over $500,000 in the first year
- Responsible for personnel issues, mentoring staff, and training of staff
- Merchandising, budgeting at managerial level
- Ordering produce through head office and various vendors
- Staffing of approximately 15 employees
- Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
- Coached and mentored new team members.
Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods
12.2003 - 05.2005
- Increased sales by 10% of the first year
- Decreased shrink from 15% to 9%
- Increased net profit by 4%
- Staffing, merchandising, budgeting, and ordering
- Staffing of approximately 10 employees
- Trained and supervised produce staff for optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
- Managed product rotation to minimize waste, optimizing freshness and quality of available goods.
- Improved produce department efficiency by implementing streamlined inventory management processes.
- Maintained produce area and kept produce storage area clean and sanitary.
Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods
10.2001 - 12.2003
- Increased sales in year one by 8% and net profit by 2%
- Repeated performance in second year
- Staffing, merchandising, budgeting, and ordering
- Staffing of approximately 6 employees
- Strengthened profits by reducing waste, controlling shrinkage, and increasing team efficiency with optimized workflows.
- Trained and supervised produce staff for optimal performance and adherence to company policies.
- Coached and mentored new team members.
Assistant Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods Park & Tilford
01.1998 - 10.2001
- Number one produce department in both sales and profit throughout Save-On-Foods chain
- Staffing, merchandising, ordering, scheduling and bookkeeping
- Staffing of approximately 18 employees
- Received training in Management 102 and GRID training from Save-On-Foods
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping into management roles when necessary, ensuring smooth operations in the absence of a manager.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional product knowledge and assistance in the selection of fresh produce.
Assistant Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods Metrotown
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Staffing, merchandising, ordering, scheduling, and bookkeeping
- Conducted daily inspections of received goods to ensure freshness and quality, addressing any discrepancies or concerns immediately with suppliers.
- Optimized product rotation procedures to minimize spoilage while maintaining ample stock levels for customer convenience.
- Enhanced sales performance with consistent merchandising and attractive displays, showcasing seasonal items.
3rd Man in Produce
Save-On-Foods Park & Tilford
01.1993 - 01.1996
- Learned book work, scheduling and budgeting
- In charge of running the staff during the evening shift
- Received training in Management 101 from Save-On-Foods
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
General Produce Clerk
Save-On-Foods
01.1985 - 01.1993
- Worked at multiple locations: Metrotown, Burnaby, BC; Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC; Pinetree, Port Coquitlam, BC.
Education
1st year - Natural Gas & Petroleum Engineering Technology
BCIT
Burnaby, BC01.1985
1st year - Electronic Engineering Technology
Okanagan College
Kelowna, BC01.1985
Skills
- Vendor evaluation
- Food safety regulations
- Transportation planning
- Supplier relations
- Team leadership
- Task prioritization
- A-Series Knowledge Base
- Skilled in Purchasing with Order Guides
- Experienced with Microsoft Office Applications
- Proficient in TEAMS
- Demand forecasting
- Cross-functional teamwork
Hobbies and Interests
- Carpentry
- Yard maintenance
- Community networking
- Travel
Timeline
Produce Buyer
Pattison Food Group
03.2022 - Current
Regional Produce Manager (Specialist)
Save-On-Foods
02.2017 - 03.2022
Produce Buyer
Save-On-Foods
03.2015 - 01.2017
Produce Manager - Nesters
Buy Low Foods
09.2013 - 02.2015
Retail Store Owner- Kokopelli Produce LTD
Myself
02.2008 - 07.2013
Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods
05.2005 - 10.2007
Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods
12.2003 - 05.2005
Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods
10.2001 - 12.2003
Assistant Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods Park & Tilford
01.1998 - 10.2001
Assistant Produce Manager
Save-On-Foods Metrotown
01.1996 - 01.1998
3rd Man in Produce
Save-On-Foods Park & Tilford
01.1993 - 01.1996
General Produce Clerk
Save-On-Foods
01.1985 - 01.1993
1st year - Electronic Engineering Technology
Okanagan College
1st year - Natural Gas & Petroleum Engineering Technology
BCIT
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