Job Description:
With forty years of experience as a distributor of certified organic produce, Veritable Vegetable is a leader in the organic produce trade. Since 1974, VV has benefited from the creativity and hard work of our employees, and the deep relationships we’ve formed with our growers and customers. We’re proud of our reputation for quality and integrity. We offer an excellent work environment, competitive salaries, great benefits and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
The Purchaser maximizes business opportunities for VV and ensures the selection, pricing and promotion of organic produce to meet VV goals for availability, sales, margin and quality. The position maintains excellent relations with vendors/farmers and participates in advocacy for sustainable food systems.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- 3+ years of experience buying and negotiating produce, preferably organic produce; crop planning experience a plus.
- Knowledge of organic produce varieties, organic growing practices, quality standards and seasonality
- Outstanding relationship building skills; ability to manage strong vendor relationships
- Strong analytical skills and creative problem solving capabilities
- Ability to evaluate profitability and identify business development opportunities
- Must possess strong communication and presentation skills
- Proficient in MS Office suite software applications and experience utilizing databases
- Knowledge of logistics and ability to work closely with our Transportation Department
- Self-motivated, highly organized team player
- Effective time management skills
- An entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Develop and maintain a supplier base that aligns with current customer needs and future opportunities
- Maintain, grow, and strengthen relationships with organic vendors, obtain information about product availability, place orders, establish prices, and resolve quality issues
- Provide coverage across all product categories for Purchasing Department as needed
- Ability to communicate our company values to staff, our community and all outside contacts
Skills:
- Project management
- Skill at development of promotion programs and identifying volume sales opportunities
- Strong technical skills; ability to analyze and suggest improvements to database applications
- Knowledge and/or experience in food safety compliance
