Produce Buyer $500 HIRING BONUS

Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op • Middlebury, VT

9d

About The Position

The Produce Buyer joins a growing Produce department that offers a changing selection of fresh produce, much of it locally sourced or organically grown. The role is responsible for keeping the department well stocked, maintaining vendor relationships, developing a competitive product mix, and supporting accurate inventory and attractive displays. The buyer also provides customer service and product knowledge and meets regularly with the department manager to coordinate goals and strategy. This is a full-time position of 32–40 hours per week. A $500 hiring bonus is available to external candidates after six months of employment.

Requirements

• Background in purchasing, buying, or inventory management.
• Strong attention to detail and time-management skills.
• Clear, professional communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long shifts, and work in coolers and freezers.

Nice To Haves

• Retail produce experience in purchasing, merchandising, and quality control.
• Working knowledge of organic standards and multi-vendor sourcing.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills for margin tracking and inventory management.
• Background in natural foods or co-op retail.
• Comfort with Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and point-of-sale systems.

Responsibilities

• Place and receive orders to keep the department consistently well stocked.
• Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with local growers and vendors.
• Track sales trends and seasonal movement to build an exciting, competitive product mix.
• Negotiate pricing and apply variable margin strategies to meet department goals.
• Keep PLUs, costs, and product data accurate and current in the POS system.
• Help plan and maintain eye-catching, well-rotated produce displays.
• Support quarterly inventories, case cleanings, and accurate recordkeeping.
• Deliver excellent customer service and share product knowledge with shoppers.
• Meet regularly with the department manager to align on goals and strategy.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Supportive, inclusive company culture
• Group health insurance
• Optional vision coverage
• Optional dental coverage
• 20% store discount
• Profit-sharing bonuses
• 3+ weeks PTO
• $500 hiring bonus for external candidates, paid after six months of employment
• Opportunities to learn in a growing, community-focused workplace

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed