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

JOB FILLED - Produce Buyer

Job Description: 

Established in 1988 and based in Los Angeles, Bandwagon is a highly respected wholesale produce provider. Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest quality fresh specialty produce in all categories of fruits and vegetables from every corner of the world.

We are looking for an experienced Produce Buyer to join our team.

Your duties would include: Selection and purchasing of produce and specialty items for sale while maintaining optimum inventory levels to fulfill customer demand and expected service levels. Produce Buyers are expected to locate supply sources, develop grower relationships, negotiate pricing, secure freight, analyze buying trends and understand market conditions to meet company objectives. Produce Buyers are under the general supervision of the VP of Operations.

Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Requirements: 
  • Basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills – English and Spanish.
  • 5 – 10 years wholesale produce procurement experience preferred.
  • Experience with “Specialty” produce highly desired.
  • Knowledge of the USDA grading and conditioning requirements, correct storage temperatures and specialty produce characteristics about quality and seasonal growing trends.
  • Computer literate. Produce Pro software experience a plus.
  • Great communication skills.
  • Ability to lift to 60 pounds safely.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, work in cold environments while walking Produce Market.
  • Valid California Driver’s License free of major traffic violations.
  • Be familiar with PACA rules.
  • Must have established FOB relationships.
Responsibilities & Duties: 
  • Walk and inspect produce at LA Produce Market at the beginning of each day.
  • Source, select and negotiate pricing and ensure timely delivery.
  • Research and communicate/introduce new items to sales staff.
  • Authorize vendor payments or returns.
  • Build and maintain grower relationships.
  • Understand and communicate seasonal and or growing conditions.
  • Secure freight as needed.
  • Set pricing, review movement, sales trends and recommend future buying/sales considerations.
  • Inspect inbound product for quality, grade and defects.
  • Communicate product returns if needed.
Ideal Candidate: 
  • Have a thorough understanding of grades and conditions of various fresh produce items.
  • Understand and follow all company food safety, general safety and security policies, including taking responsibility to resolve any unsanitary condition caused by his/her own work.
  • Must be punctual. Be aware of scheduled times for outbound loads, and work to achieve these goals. Communicate any issues relating to timeliness of delivery to supervisor.
  • Follow warehouse and company procedures, company safety rules and food safety and security program. Bring unsafe conditions/actions to the attention of supervisor.
  • Help other personnel when appropriate. Support the supervisor and the rest of the team to accomplish objectives in customer service, accuracy, and productivity.

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