What are the responsibilities and job description for the Produce Buyer position at Fresh Direct Produce?
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to grow your career? Would you like to be part of a dynamic, entrepreneurial team with one of Canada's Platinum Best Managed Companies? We are seeking an energetic, commercially minded, and experienced Produce Buyer to join our Vancouver team.
Our Buyers play a critical role in the success of our business. By building strong supplier relationships, identifying market opportunities, and making strategic purchasing decisions, they help deliver exceptional value to our customers while driving profitability and growth.
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Produce Buyer is responsible for managing an assigned portfolio of fresh produce commodities for the BC market. Working closely with suppliers, customers, and internal departments, you will source quality products, negotiate competitive pricing, monitor market conditions, and manage your commodities to meet customer demand while achieving target margins. This role requires strong commercial acumen, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Buying & Sales
- Procure a designated basket of fresh produce commodities for the BC market by identifying strategic buying and sales opportunities that maximize profitability and meet customer demand.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and customers to secure quality products, competitive pricing, and a reliable supply.
- Negotiate pricing, programs, and claims concessions to ensure assigned commodities remain competitive while achieving target margins.
- Identify and support cross-selling and cross-purchasing opportunities across product categories to maximize sales and strengthen customer relationships.
- Monitor market conditions, crop availability, pricing trends, and supply to make informed purchasing and sales decisions.
- Prepare annual buying budgets and regularly update sales and purchasing forecasts for assigned commodities.
- Track inventory movement, product availability, and profitability to ensure effective inventory management and margin performance.
Claims & Financial Administration
- Process supplier claims promptly and accurately to maximize recoveries and minimize financial risk.
- Partner with the Accounting team to support supplier credit control, obtain customer credit approvals, and monitor customer credit limits.
- Maintain accurate purchasing, sales, and inventory records while completing administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
- College or university diploma or degree in Business, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on industry experience.
- Minimum two years of buying or selling experience within the fresh produce industry.
- Strong understanding of produce markets, product movement, and inventory management.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a strong commercial mindset.
- Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to accurately track the inflow and outflow of products.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Open-minded, adaptable, and able to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural workplace.
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and driven to achieve sales growth, profitability, and business objectives.
WHAT WE OFFER:
We offer in-house job training and a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, incentive program, group health benefits, and excellent development opportunities.
Thank you for your interest in Fresh Direct Produce. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further consideration.
Making a Healthy Difference!