Buyer II

Job Description:

Organically Grown Company, the Northwest’s Premier distributor of organic produce is seeking a full-time Buyer to be based out of its Portland or Eugene location. With warehouses in Portland and Eugene, Oregon and Kent, Washington, OGC serves over 200 natural and fine foods stores and restaurants located throughout western Oregon and Washington, as well as retail and wholesale accounts in other western states and Canada. Check out our website at www.organicgrown.com to read about our commitment to sustainable business practices.

Responsibilities & Duties:

This position is primarily responsible for purchasing produce for sales to Organically Grown Company accounts.
Responsibilities:

Maintain regular contact with suppliers to obtain information about product availability, place orders, establish prices and resolve quality issues; where desired, actively and strategically coordinate and manage supply as a grower agent or as a party to a formal agreement.
Provide sales staff with updates on product availability, product delivery, peak and finish, quality and price; Initiate weekly meetings to review availability and inventory maintenance issues; Maintain and distribute weekly ad sheet;
Interact with Sales Account Representatives and customers to obtain information on product needs; work directly with customers as needed to place orders, track availability, and address quality issues.
Maintain effective communication with all parties via phone and fax on an as-needed basis, including after business hours; Attend regular PIM Department meetings
Perform other projects and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Position typically requires a High School diploma and undergraduate degree plus a minimum of 3-5 years of overall equivalent education and experience. An experienced buyer in the perishable produce industry, with a proven successful track record of crop planning, negotiating, contracting and buying preferred. Solid knowledge of organic produce varieties, organic growing practices, suppliers and seasonable availability. Expert knowledge of purchasing and negotiation methods. Previous experience working for an organization with aspirational sustainability goals desired. Knowledge of, and interest in, production agriculture and farming-preferably organics.

Previous work experience in a perishable products industry preferred. Experience with workplace longevity, working a required schedule, showing up consistently and on time. Must have the ability to learn and use a variety of computer software programs. Basic math skills required.

Competency Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated the following competencies: