Job Description:
Ready to step into the "Big League"? One of North America's most successful and prolific retailers is hiring a few lucky produce buyers. This is not a job move….but rather a career move!
If you have at least 2 years of prior produce experience in procurement and/or merchandising, and the motivation to learn, grow and be part of a winning team, then this may be the opportunity for you!
This position is based in the Midwest, and our client will participate in your relocation.
As the Produce Category Buyer, you will be responsible for working collaboratively as a member of the buying team to communicate product availability, trends, quality, cost, and promotional activity. Negotiating with growers and suppliers to provide the best quality product at the best cost is a vital part of the job and we need someone who knows how to build and retain those relationships. The ideal candidate will bring their passion of working in the produce industry and use their buying expertise to anticipate customers needs to help us stay competitive.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- 2 years prior produce knowledge gained from procurement, merchandising, or education.
- Knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent analytical and follow-up skills.
- Ability to travel independently.
This Job has a $1,000 Referral Reward!
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If you would like to discuss this job opportunity in 100% confidentiality with a Joe Produce Search Consultant, please call Recruiting at 855-563-7763, or email recruiting@joeproduce.com |
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Negotiate best cost for best quality/value. Assign produce and purchase orders to growers based on cost, quality, and service level
- Effectively manage team members to ensure orders are confirmed, in transit, and free of over short and damaged and reconciled.
- Investigate future promotional items for weekly sales plans/conference calls.
- Monitor the availability and cost on a daily basis and communicate to Sales Planning and Divisions via Share Pointe.
- Monitor and receive orders from the other offices. Verify pick-up dates, check for ad costs, assign suppliers, and communicate all pertinent information to the supplier via I-trade and phone communication.
- Monitor orders that are in process. Follow-up and adjust orders as needed. Communicate with teammates about shortage changes. Ensure that truck pickups are performed in a timely manner for on time arrival. Communicate with Transportation Managers as needed.
- Receive and input, or supervise the confirmation process to the order in a timely manner, which is as soon as the truck picks up the product, or the next morning. Check product amounts and costs for accuracy. Follow-up with suppliers. Confirm back to the field office with as much lead time before the truck arrives at the warehouse, via I-trade.
- Resolve quality and/or count issues with the receiving warehouse and communicate with division inspector, replenishment buyers, and suppliers. Monitor accounting and pay practices. Resolve short and/or over pay issues with Regional Accounting and suppliers. Follow-up in a timely basis for quick resolution.
- Facilitate and guide opportunities brought forth by regional supervisors to support local and regional sales tactics.
- Support and educate suppliers to implement industry initiatives such as: GS1, Produce Traceability, Food Safety, and Country of Origin and Labeling – to help company to remain in compliance with these issues.
- Perform timely and meaningful performance discussions with Direct Reports.
- Routinely visit growing areas to stay abreast of product quality, availability and new sources of supply
- Procurement for stable supplier base in a small region
- Procurement for items with some cost fluctuations from limited grower base
- Procurement for key items that experience consistent cost fluctuations and require daily cost negotiation
- Coach other Category Buyers in the negotiations of long term contracts
- Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provides feedback to direct reports.
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.
