Located near NYC, we are a produce wholesaler with a long and successful history as one of New York's largest blue book trading members. We currently have an opening for an experienced Produce Fruit Buyer. The successful candidate will have experience with all aspects of the fruit business from dealings with the USDA and Transportation to commodity seasons and inventory.
Buyers are responsible for sourcing at the lowest possible price, while maintaining the highest of quality standards. Strong buying and negotiating skills are required. The right candidate must have excellent computer skills, be a great communicator, have a positive attitude, be resilient, and be able to work with diverse personalities. We also value a team-oriented personality with high standards and a strong work ethic.
The Buyer we are looking for will have the ability to run the department with no help and will "hit the ground running." We need someone who already has shippers and has built relationships with them. We are NOT looking to hire someone who needs training, although we will naturally provide instructions on how we conduct business and get things done at our company.
We offer generous benefits and competitive salary which are negotiable. We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates.
- Possess extensive and specialized knowledge of assigned product lines through wholesale and retail background
- In-depth knowledge of product buying, economics and accounting principles
- Experience and knowledge of purchasing policies, processes and procedures
- Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates
- Ability to run the department with no help
- Should already know shippers and have established relationships with them
- Source at the lowest possible price, while maintaining the highest of quality standards
- Maintain viable in-stock inventory for resale while ensuring satisfactory turnover and code-dating
- Build and strengthen relationships within the vendor and the customer communities
- Maintain communication lines with sales team to promote and push the sale of products to minimize spoilage
- Review and study sales reports and maintain inventory levels to maximize sales and minimize spoilage.
- Study market trends, interview vendors and recommend sources of supply
- Responsible for necessary follow-through on product price changes and allowances
- Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times
- Must be able to work under high volume conditions with little to no supervision
- Must have excellent attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Must be computer literate
- Must have excellent negotiation skills and strong problem solving skills
- Must be a great communicator and have a positive attitude
- Must be resilient and be able to work with diverse personalities
- Ability to communicate effectively and maintain inter-department relationships
- Ability to handle difficult client/customer/vendor situations when necessary
The ideal candidate will thrive in a high energy workplace and will possess characteristics of good salesmanship to include a combination of aggressiveness, friendliness and honesty. You should be able to think fast, work hard and make wise decisions in a time-sensitive environment. You should have flexibility and time management skills to navigate a workplace with competing demands and be able to take advantage of unexpected challenges and opportunities.
The person who fills this position will be representing our company and therefore should reflect our overall business character at all times. The Buyer should be acutely aware that they are representing us when they deal directly with our shippers and growers, and this means the right candidate will demonstrate trustworthiness, authenticity, dependability and responsibility in all personal interactions and business transactions.
