Job Description:
Crystal Valley Foods is a leading grower and importer of the highest-quality produce from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. We’re one of the largest importers and distributors of asparagus in the United States and the largest importer of specialty vegetables from Guatemala.
At Crystal Valley Foods, we believe in providing nothing but the best produce for every customer. For nearly 25 years, we’ve delivered the freshest, highest-quality fruits and vegetables to wholesalers, food service providers, retail customers — and more recently, home delivery kit providers and online grocers. It is important that we bring healthy, high-quality products to the marketplace in a responsible manner to help support future generations, as well as support the communities where we operate.
Crystal Valley Foods is looking for a buyer who will be in charge of ensuring the prompt and efficient delivery of fresh product from our international and domestic sourcing locations to our facilities in the United States. The candidate should have knowledge of fresh produce procurement and will work closely with sales, operations, and growing regions to negotiate pricing and quantity based on customer demand.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
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5-10 years fresh produce procurement experience
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Self-starter who is eager to grow in his career
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Must possess excellent communication and negotiating skills
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Experience in produce procurement from domestic sources
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Strong organizational skills and detail oriented
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Strong analytical skills
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An understanding of the most current food safety and compliance requirements
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
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Ability and energy to drive programs in a constantly changing and fast -paced environment in order to contribute to the company’s growth
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Associates Degree, minimum, Bachelor’s Degree, preferred
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Bilingual, Spanish and English, preferred
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Some travel is required to visit growers
Responsibilities & Duties:
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Maintain proper ordering procedures according to company policy to ensure correct inventory in order to maximize sales and minimize shrink
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Communicate consistently and effectively with growing partners to develop and maintain programs
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Monitor projected sales & volume and communicate product needs to the growers/ vendors to meet the demand. This involves continuous communications with growers and reviewing budgets and volume weekly, for each grower
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Work closely with the procurement director to ensure we are obtaining the best quality at the best cost
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Work with sales and operations to determine forecasts and purchase based on sales needs
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Assist in negotiating pricing and contract terms
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Assist in sourcing new products and growers in accordance with company sales goals and with proper certifications
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Monitor air freight and ocean freight rate variations in the market and coordinate fixed rate programs with freight forwarders as warranted to meet any specific needs of sales
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Monitor industry trends and market conditions in order to determine best pricing and sourcing regions for each product and season
