Job Description:
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.
Compensation/Salary:
$70K-$90K DOE
Confidential Job:
0