Since 1965, when Issie and Mary Caviar started Liberty Fruit Company, Inc. we have always offered an unmatched selection of the highest-quality fresh fruits and vegetables. Today, we stand for three generations of leadership and over 260 dedicated employees serving customers in eight states. Our customers will tell you our commitment to exceptional Quality and Service has always stood as the cornerstone of our business.
We are currently accepting resumes for the position of FRESH PRODUCE BUYER to join our dynamic and growing team in Kansas City, KS. This is a career position for someone with enhanced knowledge and expertise in the produce industry. This position is responsible for purchasing fresh produce commodities direct from all major growing regions.
Buyers are responsible for sourcing at the lowest possible price, while maintaining the highest quality standards. Strong FOB buying and negotiating skills are required. The right candidate must have excellent computer skills, be a great communicator, have a positive attitude, be resilient, and be able to work with diverse personalities. Our business is open 7 days a week, so a flexible schedule is a must. Affiliation with successful produce or perishable food distribution companies is required.
We offer a full benefit package including, paid time off, 401k plan, medical, dental, and vision plans, short & long-term disability, life insurance and ancillary packages.
- Responsible for a select group of commodities which may include, but not limited to produce, dairy, frozen, dry, and other refrigerated items as customer demand dictates.
- Determine which commodities, services and growing regions best meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.
- Identify spot buy opportunities.
- Negotiate the lowest possible cost, and award daily business and/or contracts that ensure the correct amount of product or service is received at the appropriate time.
- Establish a market earned income strategy by item. Build and strengthen relationships within the vendor and the customer communities.
- Buyers responsible for retail items will gather costing information to effectively quote retailers’ weekly Ads in a timely manner.
- Maintain communication lines with sales team to promote and push the sale of products to minimize spoilage.
- Review and study sales reports and maintain inventory levels to maximize sales, and minimize spoilage.
- Identify domestic and foreign suppliers within all major growing regions in order to keep abreast of changes which affect both the supply and demand sides of our business. Orders placed from various growing regions will be coordinated with other team buyers to build full truckloads in order to maximize inbound freight costs. Buyers are responsible for identifying the best freight carriers for the company at the lowest possible rates.
- Continue to expand product knowledge through the use of educational tools available (books, mentors, websites).
- Set up and participate in vendor reviews.
- Participates in process improvements and promotes teamwork.
- Completes other projects and duties as assigned by the management team.
- Minimum 5 years of FOB buying experience in a produce wholesale/distribution environment.
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of produce commodities, markets and supply chain dynamics.
- Strong negotiating skills.
- Must have excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Ability to communicate effectively and maintain inter-department relationships.
- Must be a great communicator and have a positive attitude.
- Must be resilient, and be able to work with diverse personalities.
- Affiliation with successful produce or perishable food distribution companies is required.
- Experience with Produce Pro software is a plus.