As the Inland Northwest’s market leader in highest quality and innovation, Spokane Produce, Inc. has been a local, independent, family owned and operated company for over 80 years. Our philosophy is genuine quality always. We provide the finest products to grocers, restaurants, wholesalers, schools, and government agencies. With over 250 employees, Spokane Produce’s success begins with our people. If you are interested in being a part of our innovative team and are passionate about making a difference, apply today.
As a member of our Buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring conventional and organic products for our Retail, Wholesale, and Food Service customers. The ideal candidate is passionate about sourcing the best product available, creating mutually beneficial relationships with growers and working with customers collaboratively (internally and externally) to create the highest quality and value.
- Negotiate and collaborate with suppliers on pricing, product assortment, promotions, ads, services, and support; acts as primary contact with direct suppliers.
- Continually identify and determine optimum source of supply to ensure best cost and highest quality
- Select and order commodities from growers and purchase commodities on open market basing selection on nature of clientele, or demand for specific commodity utilizing knowledge of various articles of commerce and experience as buyer
- Participate in daily warehouse walks to inspect and grade or appraise agricultural and other commodities offered for sale to determine value and yield
- Manage inventory count sheets to assure accuracy; manage weekly availability guides to facilitate store ordering
- Manage inventory, shrink and service levels to meet or exceed company expectations
- Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers
- Communicate effectively and routinely with sales, warehousing, and transportation departments
- Monitor and report business trends in the industry and maintain awareness of market trends, food safety, technology, and weather across all growing regions
- Conduct sales and profit analyses; maintain and review price files and competitive price checks
- Proactively seek out and communicate new and innovative items to customers
- Must be able to travel occasionally (seasonal travel)
- Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times
- 3-5 years of produce experience. Knowledge of organic items and processed items
- Knowledge of USDA standards
- Strong communication and relationship building skills as well as the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
- Proven ability to effectively negotiate and build strong partnerships with vendors
- Ability to adapt to the ever-changing high volume while working in a cross-functional team environment
- Solid proficiency in MS Office products with an emphasis in Outlook, Word and Excel
- Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills is essential
- Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and accomplish individual and team goals
Working Environment:
- Ability to concentrate in a noisy environment. Exposed to agriculture fields during various stages of crop growth.
- Occasionally in and out of dry cold rooms with temperature range of 33-35 degrees F. Wet cold rooms are 33-36 degrees F.
We offer a competitive benefits and compensation package including: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. As an employee of Spokane Produce you will also enjoy employee discounts, paid time off, paid holidays and 401k with employer match.
