Produce Specialist

GSFoods•Ontario, CA

About The Position

The GS Foods Group is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Produce Specialist to oversee the sourcing, quality control, merchandising, and performance of our fresh fruit and vegetable category. The ideal candidate has a strong background in produce management, a passion for quality and food safety, and the ability to drive sales while minimizing shrink and waste.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of fresh fruits and vegetables, seasonality, and market trends.
Experience in inventory control and quality assurance.
Proficiency in analyzing sales and inventory data.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Commitment to food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Ability to work in a fast-paced distribution environment.
3+ years of experience in produce management, food distribution, or related field.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Source high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables from approved growers and suppliers.
Evaluate product quality upon receipt and throughout storage to ensure freshness, appearance, and compliance with company standards.
Maintain strict adherence to food safety and regulatory standards.
Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and maintain strong vendor relationships.
Develop and implement merchandising strategies that maximize product appeal and sales performance.
Monitor product rotation and presentation to reduce shrink and optimize freshness.
Partner with sales teams and customers to create seasonal and promotional programs.
Provide expert-level support to key customer accounts.
Train internal staff and customers on proper produce handling, storage, and display techniques.
Prepare and distribute market reports, pricing trends, and forward-looking forecasts to customers.
Serve as a subject matter expert on produce trends, availability, and seasonality.
Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock without overstocking.
Coordinate proper storage conditions (temperature, humidity, rotation).
Track and analyze shrink, spoilage, and turnover rates.
Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Analyze sales data, margin performance, and product movement.
Work closely with key customer accounts to achieve sales targets and category growth.
Identify new product opportunities and emerging market trends.
Support promotional planning and pricing strategies.