JOB FILLED - Grocery Buyer - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

Job Description:

Grocery Buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned product lines across categories such as Grocery, Frozen Grocery, Dairy Refrigerated, Grocery Non-Food. The Buyer works closely with Sales Team to achieve the goals of the company. Provides supply chain/inventory management for a limited promotionally active grocery desk and corresponding financial accountabilities. Procures product in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the company.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Reviews all product costs and marketing plan to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need to meet marketing plan.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with brokers, vendors, store operations, distribution center and division office personnel.
Reviews and analyzes daily and weekly reports to check service levels and inventory turns, adjusts as needed.
Buyer assists the Purchasing department with several tasks that are needed to ensure that ingredients, raw materials, and packaging supplies are delivered in a timely manner.
Buyer has the responsibility, and is not limited to, sending purchase orders, receiving confirmation of orders, requesting documentation from suppliers, and maintain an organized filing system.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Find and negotiate pricing, quality and delivery terms with suppliers, to improve quality and profitability.
Resolve poor product quality issues, delivery issues, set up returned authorizations, invoice discrepancies.
Evaluate customer requests for new products and/or modifications, and coordinate specific requests and/or proprietary products with the sales force.
Coordinate with transportation department regarding FOB pick-ups.
Buyer must know and follow the company’s polices (such as buying organic or giving priority to local growers) when purchasing produce.
Recording the produce purchased from suppliers into Produce Pro.
Responsible for all aspects of food safety, sanitation and food security involving procurement of products.
Manage and maintain proper inventory/par levels.
Educate receivers/receiving department on market conditions.
Manage and maintain all PO's through receiving.
Maintain up to date company policies on all purchasing/receiving trends and industry standards.
Approves Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure correct prices have been invoiced.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 2+ years of Purchasing or Vendor Management experience in a Food Service industry.
Working knowledge of procurement, logistics and inventory management practices.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in taking initiative and making appropriate decisions.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
Written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective business relationships within and outside the company as well as mentor assigned buyers.
Proficiency in Produce Pro required, including ability to utilize spreadsheets, macros, and supply chain systems.
Must have the ability to represent the Company's interests in negotiations with outside professionals and suppliers
Ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions