Regional Purchasing Manager (Southeast)

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Regional Purchasing Manager to manage Markon’s produce purchasing activities across the Southeast. This role executes regional buying strategies while applying a high level of commodity expertise, market analysis, and negotiation skills to secure consistent supply, competitive pricing, and high-quality produce that meets the needs of Markon’s Member‑Distributors and supports their competitive position.

Working within the assigned commodity team, the Regional Buyer independently manages vendor relationships, evaluates market conditions, and resolves complex supply, quality, and logistics challenges in a fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environment. The role requires sound judgment, strong problem‑solving ability, and the ability to make informed buying decisions that align with Markon’s standards for food safety, quality, and service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage regional produce purchasing activities across assigned commodities to ensure consistent supply, competitive cost structures, and adherence to Markon’s food safety and quality standards.
• Execute regional buying strategies that meet or exceed member‑operated programs in food safety, quality, cost, and overall performance.
• Analyze market conditions, pricing trends, and availability to make informed buying decisions and adjust purchasing strategies as market dynamics change.
• Negotiate pricing, volume commitments, and program terms with growers and suppliers to lower FOB costs and improve returns to Member‑Distributors.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen grower and supplier relationships to support long‑term supply continuity, quality expectations, and program growth.
• Create, maintain, and communicate accurate pricing, bids, and purchase information to support member needs and competitive positioning.
• Process and oversee order bookings, changes, and adjustments to ensure accurate execution and reliable product flow.
• Track regional volume, performance, and market share metrics, including branded and unbranded programs, and use available data (e.g., Circana) to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Partner with internal teams, including logistics, quality assurance, and marketing, to support regional and local marketing programs and increase Markon‑branded presence.
• Act as the Markon representative and advocate at industry events, trade shows, and regional meetings, promoting Markon’s food safety, quality, and brand standards.
• Support and reinforce Markon’s food safety messaging by working closely with growers, members, and internal quality teams to ensure program compliance and continuous improvement.
• Communicate proactively with Purchasing leadership regarding market risks, supply challenges, and opportunities for improvement or growth.
• Participate in rotating evening and Saturday on-call problem-resolution duties, responding to time-sensitive shipping and product-quality situations.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated understanding of the grower and shipper base east of the Mississippi River, with a strong concentration in the Southeast and working knowledge of the Eastern Seaboard and Midwest.
• Proven experience purchasing truck‑shipped produce, including tomatoes, regional leafy greens, vegetables, and other regional commodities.
• Strong working knowledge of produce market dynamics, seasonal availability, and regional supply conditions.
• Ability to analyze market data and pricing trends to support sound buying and negotiation decisions.
• Strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage vendor relationships independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook, and the ability to learn new systems efficiently.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage pricing, orders, and volume accurately.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong internal and external customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Willingness to collaborate across purchasing, logistics, quality, and marketing teams to support regional objectives.
• Ability to be on-call after hours 1–3 days per month and work some Saturdays.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, agriculture, or related field.

WORK LOCATION

Primarily remote. Candidates must be based in the Southeastern US or be willing to relocate. Role involves moderate-to-heavy regional travel and regular national travel, including quarterly visits to corporate offices of Markon (Salinas, CA) and key vendors and member-distributors.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $75,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Optional Health Savings Account
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Time Off

This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that will be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Markon is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. We will make any reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

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