JOB FILLED - Produce Buyer

Veg Fresh Farms is seeking a Buyer responsible for planning, scheduling, negotiating, sourcing, and procurement of fresh produce consistent with company policies and procedures. This position ensures the continuous flow of products most efficiently and cost-effectively by managing the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and identify suppliers of products, negotiate weekly price and quantity terms, and establish long-term contracts to ensure an adequate supply of high-quality products for competitive prices.
• Negotiate prices and quantities ordered based on customer orders, economic order point (volume discount vs. efficient utilization of warehousing space), promotion of the product, and overall market conditions.
• Select vendors based upon their ability to provide a continuous supply of products; overall service level; responsiveness to the market as shown through product innovation; quality and value of the product; and their understanding of the marketplace.
• Select products based upon application to our market, product performance, alternate sources of supply, and the overall reputation of the vendor.
• Maintain relationships with vendors by resolving problems with invoicing, product, or delivery to ensure quality service and longevity of relationships.
• Anticipate potential problems and risks, and generate ideas, insight, and solutions to resolve problems.
• Negotiate long-term contracts based upon the same considerations and need for continuous supply.
• Provides product and pricing information and makes recommendations regarding the pricing structure for product lines based on volume and margin considerations.
• Analyze supplier performance and negotiate lead time reduction and/or stocking programs with suppliers to reduce inventory burden.
• Work with Category Managers in planning and projecting the expected needs.
• Demonstrate effective collaboration skills through open communication and sharing pertinent business information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3 years of fresh produce purchasing, wholesale, retail, or related work experience
• Strong knowledge of the produce industry, market trends, and pricing strategies.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and work in a refrigerated environment
• Must have a valid Driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to identify and qualify new or alternate product sources, represent the company successfully, and exercise flexibility in your approach to negotiations with suppliers.
• Ability to analyze varying product and service features, prices, and qualities, and determine the most cost-effective purchase for the organization.
• Ability to resolve issues and make timely recommendations and decisions by being resourceful.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, government regulations, and legal documents.
• Ability to travel and work limited weekends and holidays.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.