Produce Buyer

Seeking a Produce Buyer for an established and growing food and beverage distributor.In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key suppliers, negotiating prices, and ensuring that inventory meets both quality standards and customer demand. You will also stay informed on industry trends to make data-driven purchasing decisions and optimize product offerings.Key Responsibilities:Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and growers to secure the best pricing and high-quality produce.Product Sourcing & Procurement: Identify and source a variety of fresh produce based on seasonal availability, market trends, and customer preferences.Pricing & Negotiation: Negotiate pricing and contract terms with suppliers to ensure competitive costs while maintaining product quality and consistency.Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels to ensure products are stocked according to demand, adjusting orders as necessary to prevent shortages or overstock.Quality Control: Inspect and assess produce for quality standards, ensuring that all products meet food safety regulations and are suitable for sale.Market Analysis: Stay current on market trends, pricing fluctuations, and seasonal shifts in availability to make informed purchasing decisions.Collaboration: Work closely with logistics, marketing, and sales teams to align purchasing with promotional activities, sales forecasts, and demand projections.Problem-Solving: Address and resolve supply chain issues, product defects, or other challenges to minimize disruptions and maintain smooth operations.Compliance: Ensure all procurement practices align with food safety and regulatory guidelines, including proper handling, transportation, and storage.Requirements:Experience: 3+ years of experience in produce buying, procurement, or a related field.Skills: Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage supplier relationships and coordinate with internal teams.Knowledge: In-depth understanding of produce quality standards, food safety regulations, and market trends in the fresh produce industry.Analytical Abilities: Proficient in analyzing market data, sales trends, and inventory reports to make informed decisions.Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.Adaptability: Ability to adapt to market changes and adjust buying strategies based on seasonal factors, pricing shifts, and customer demand.Education: A degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field is preferred, but not required.For more information or immediate consideration, contact Audrey Hopkinson directly: ahopkinson@

Created: 2025-03-03