Buyer - Produce

Bandwagon Brokerage LLC•Vernon, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Produce Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing fresh produce and specialty items to meet customer demand and service expectations while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This role requires strong knowledge of produce markets, grower relationships, seasonal availability, and the ability to analyze buying trends and market conditions to support company objectives. You will work closely with growers, suppliers, sales, and operations teams to ensure product quality, competitive pricing, timely delivery, and profitability.

Requirements

Knowledge of USDA grading, conditioning, and proper storage temperature requirements
Knowledge of specialty produce characteristics, quality standards, and seasonal growing trends
Familiarity with PACA rules
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in wholesale produce buying preferred
Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
Ability to analyze pricing trends, inventory levels, and sales data to make purchasing decisions
High attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities
Creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn
Integrity, ethics, and professionalism
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Ability to lift, move, or inspect product cases up to 60 lbs
Ability to stand and walk for long periods, including walking the LA Produce Market
Ability to work in refrigerated warehouse environments as needed
Occasional travel to markets, suppliers, or warehouses may be required

Nice To Haves

Experience with Produce Pro or similar produce management software is a plus
Bilingual in Spanish preferred, not required

Responsibilities

Walk the LA Produce Market daily to inspect produce for quality, freshness, grading, and pricing opportunities
Source, select, and purchase fresh produce and specialty items from growers, distributors, and suppliers
Negotiate pricing, freight terms, and purchase agreements to ensure timely delivery and competitive costs
Research and introduce new items to the sales team to expand product offerings
Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and logistics partners
Understand and communicate seasonal and growing conditions, market trends, pricing, product movement, and sales trends
Coordinate and secure freight or transportation as needed
Inspect inbound products for quality, grade, defects, and compliance with company standards when required
Maintain accurate inventory levels and product identification for optimal turns, freshness, and profitability
Support team goals related to customer service, accuracy, productivity, and departmental objectives
Assist in managing product rotation, inventory turns, and reporting as needed
Track and communicate pricing trends, product movement, and sales patterns to support planning and forecasting
Assist other team members as needed to ensure efficient daily operations and support company objectives
Follow company food safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Ensure purchased products meet all company quality, food safety, and regulatory standards
Maintain proper documentation related to product sourcing, traceability, and inspections
Participate in food safety training and complete required documentation
Follow company safety procedures and report unsafe conditions or actions to management
Support company food safety programs, audits, and regulatory compliance efforts