The Role
We are seeking an individual who possesses a genuine passion for sourcing the finest produce, cultivating mutually advantageous partnerships with growers, and actively contributing to the creation of value for both our customers and the organization.
This role entails the identification and acquisition of both conventional and organic products, catering to our Retail, Wholesale, and Food Service customers. Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager and Procurement Supervisors, this team member will collaborate with fellow buyers to achieve well managed inventories.
Essential Responsibilities Include, but Not Limited To:
- Analyze daily inventory reports to maintain appropriate inventory levels, minimize out of stock issues, address excess and/or aged inventory, and determine optimal order quantities.
- Select and buy product based on procurement programs, quality, vendor partnerships, promotional activity, and other relevant factors.
- Develop and implement strategies to maximize gross profit by coordinating sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and managing costs.
- Recommend and manage merchandise strategies for assigned categories, collaborating with sales to identify and exploit merchandising opportunities, and proposing programs & plans for supervisor approval.
- Evaluate and select vendors while negotiating product costs.
- Establish and maintain mutually beneficial vendor relationships.
- Identify new business opportunities aligned with short and long-term business strategies.
- Assist in vendor rebate reconciliation and resolve vendor claims related to consigned or protected products.
- Follow established best practices and processes.
- Consistently demonstrate ownership of and responsibility for items managed and one’s results.
- All employees are responsible for ensuring food safety and must promptly report any compromises to food safety or quality to the appropriate manager, supervisor, or key personnel.
Peripheral Duties: Projects and tasks as assigned by the Regional Procurement Manager and/or Procurement Supervisors.
Desired Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing fresh produce, with a proven track record in expediting and handling administrative tasks associated with fresh produce procurement.
- In-depth knowledge of fresh produce commodities and related non-produce product lines.
- Educational requirement: High School diploma.
- Proficiency in PC skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and 10-key.
- Demonstrated proficiency in negotiation techniques.
- Background in inventory management, including forecasting and planning.
- Exceptional teamwork skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and a willingness to support all team members within the department.
- Strong basic math skills, including the capability to quickly calculate cases, pallets, product costs, and margins.
- Excellent ability to manage multiple tasks and the capacity to excel under pressure in day-to-day operations.
- Effective prioritization skills, deadline management, and the ability to achieve team goals with flexibility in workdays and hours.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly effective interpersonal skills for communication with vendors, customers, and colleagues.
Supplemental Information:
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.
For additional protected privacy information please visit: Privacy Policy | Charlie's Produce (charliesproduce.com)
Charlie's Produce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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