Produce Buyer

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven, detail-oriented Produce Buyer to join our growing Produce team. Reporting to the Produce Category Manager, the Produce Buyer will be responsible for sourcing and procuring a broad range of fresh produce while ensuring product availability, quality, competitive pricing, and exceptional service levels. This role plays a key part in maintaining strong supplier relationships, supporting sales growth, and driving operational excellence across the produce category.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and manage vendor relationships, selecting suppliers based on product quality, consistent supply, service performance, and responsiveness to changing market conditions.
• Maintain accurate item, vendor, and pricing data within the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
• Resolve invoicing, product, and delivery discrepancies by collaborating with internal departments and external vendors to ensure timely resolution and strong business relationships.
• Utilize the company's demand planning, reporting, and business intelligence tools to support purchasing decisions and inventory management.
• Maintain the company's industry-leading fulfillment standard of 98.5% or greater.
• Anticipate seasonal demand, market trends, supply chain challenges, and product availability to proactively develop sourcing strategies and identify acceptable product substitutions.
• Negotiate pricing, purchase quantities, promotional opportunities, and vendor agreements to maximize profitability while meeting customer needs.
• Manage forward buys and promotional purchases while optimizing warehouse capacity and inventory levels.
• Monitor commodity markets and publish regular market updates in partnership with Purchasing Management.
• Stay informed on seasonal trends, market conditions, and emerging products, while partnering with Sales and other departments to expand existing product lines and introduce new offerings.
• Work closely with Quality Control, Receiving, Operations, and Sales to maintain the highest standards for product quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in weekly purchasing meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Partner with vendors and internal teams to manage aging inventory, inbound freight claims, damaged product, and inventory recovery efforts.  
• Support Purchasing Management in identifying category growth opportunities across domestic and imported produce, including evaluating current assortments and recommending product expansions.
• Strengthen existing supplier partnerships while actively identifying and developing new sourcing opportunities.
• Provide the Sales team with product specifications, pricing updates, availability information, and recommendations on new and existing products.

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Qualifications

• 3 years of purchasing experience in fresh produce or a closely related category.
• Strong understanding of produce markets, seasonality, commodity pricing, and supply chain dynamics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with ERP systems and purchasing software is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership and ownership.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive approach to continuous improvement and process optimization.