Produce Buyer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or category management experience.
• Proven success sourcing new products and alternative suppliers that improve cost, quality, availability, or margin.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong new supplier relationships and expand sourcing options.
• Track record of negotiating improved pricing, terms, programs, and service levels.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use sales, margin, inventory, and market data to drive purchasing decisions.
• Experience with forecasting, inventory management, replenishment, and vendor performance.
• Proactive, results-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement and challenging existing sourcing strategies.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP/purchasing systems.

Nice To Haves

• Food distribution, fresh produce, or food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to prevent out-of-stocks and excess inventory.
• Monitor sales movement, inventory trends, and lead times to forecast purchasing needs.
• Establish reorder points and proactively address potential shortages.
• Coordinate purchasing with sales forecasts, promotions, and production needs.
• Minimize aging, short-dated, and obsolete inventory.
• Identify and source new products based on customer demand and market opportunities.
• Evaluate product quality, pricing, availability, and minimum order quantities.
• Negotiate competitive costs and purchasing terms.
• Collaborate with sales and management on new product opportunities.
• Identify and qualify alternate suppliers to improve product availability and pricing.
• Develop backup suppliers for key products to reduce supply chain risks.
• Regularly evaluate vendor pricing, quality, lead times, and reliability.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Manage purchase orders, inbound freight, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with vendors, warehouse, and production teams to ensure timely deliveries.
• Resolve shipment delays, shortages, and discrepancies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce freight and purchasing costs.
• Communicate inventory concerns and supply updates to management.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning the first of the month following hire.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid vacation and company holidays.
• State sick leave benefits.
• 100% prepaid college tuition for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunities for career development and advancement.
• Bonus eligibility, depending on experience.
• Potential 90-day performance-based raise.
• Yearly review with possibility of an increase based on performance and tenure.