JOB FILLED - Produce Buyer

Imperfect Produce is looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic, and highly motivated individual on the Supply Team. They will be responsible for maintaining vendor relationships, order placement, and quality/condition of the incoming product. This position is under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Consistently meet quarterly metrics based on product quality, margin, on-time deliveries, and product cost
• Handle relationships with priority vendors by staying in regular communication, placing orders with high accuracy, and ensuring product quality.
• Troubleshoot general supplier issues and resolve credit requests to suppliers in a timely manner
• Negotiate better prices based on knowledge of seasonality, market prices, and trends across vendors. Visit growers to explore opportunities for mutually effective relationships
• Facilitate onboarding of new vendors given by the Purchasing
• Manager to verify smooth integration into our systems and processes, ensuring that they meet all our requirements. Inform the Purchasing Manager and Director of Sourcing of any gaps in sourcing due to insufficient vendors or volume for a specific commodity (organic or conventional)
• Work with Merchandising and Brand to implement promo/ad internal programs, ensuring success from beginning to end
• Assist finance with resolving PO and invoice discrepancies.
• Coordinate with receivers to verify arrivals

Skills and Qualifications:

• 1-3 years’ experience purchasing produce
• Extensive knowledge in the fresh produce industry (for both organic and conventional product), including PACA guidelines, temperature guidelines, and USDA inspections
• Proven vendor relationships and firm negotiation skills
• Experience in quickly solving issues and working in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient with Excel, Word, Google Sheets/Docs, and ERP systems
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, related field, or relevant experience
• Knowledge of PACA guidelines and rules

About You:

• You're highly energetic and friendly attitude, ready to learn
• You're extremely organized with strong attention to detail
• You're able to prioritize and meet deadlines
• You love the opportunity to meet challenges and take preventative action for solutions
• You work well in a highly active team in a collaborative environment
• You're passionate about our mission to eliminate food waste and create a better food system for all

About This Role:

• Full-time exempt position reporting to the Purchasing Manager. 
• The position is remote, but you must be located in the Baltimore/Hanover, MD area.
• Salary and employee stock options commensurate with experience
• Competitive benefits package including health care, paid vacation, 401K, paid parental leave, and recurring credit towards your Imperfect account!
• Opportunity to work from home regularly