Senior Produce Buyer - Produce buying experience required

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Produce Buyer

Location: Irving, Texas
Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain
Reports To: Purchasing Manager / Director of Operations
Compensation: $80,000 – $100,000 per year | FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Om Produce is a rapidly growing importer and distributor of high-quality North American fresh produce, dairy, and grocery products. We are seeking an experienced Senior Produce Buyer to join our dynamic team in Irving, Texas. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact and grow your career with a company that values excellence, quality, and its people.

The Senior Produce Buyer is responsible for leading high-level procurement activities, managing key vendor relationships, and ensuring an efficient, cost-effective, and quality-focused purchasing process across fresh produce categories. Hands-on produce industry experience is required — this role demands deep knowledge of fresh produce markets, seasonal supply dynamics, grower and shipper relationships, and the quality standards that define best-in-class produce sourcing. This role oversees the sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of produce products while collaborating closely with Operations, Inventory, Warehouse, Finance, and Quality teams to support business goals and ensure uninterrupted supply.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Procurement & Sourcing

Develop and execute purchasing strategies to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and high-quality fresh produce across all categories

Identify and evaluate new vendors, growers, shippers, and consolidators — domestic and international — to diversify supply and strengthen sourcing depth

Conduct ongoing market and pricing analysis to anticipate seasonal trends, supply shortages, weather impacts, and buying opportunities

Leverage produce market knowledge to make proactive purchasing decisions that position Om Produce ahead of supply disruptions or price spikes

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Manage key vendor relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for high-volume and high-impact produce suppliers
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and service-level agreements (SLAs) with growers, shippers, and consolidators
• Monitor supplier performance including quality, fulfillment accuracy, and on-time delivery; hold vendors accountable to agreed standards
• Resolve escalated vendor disputes, supply shortages, or quality inconsistencies in a timely and professional manner

Purchasing Operations

• Review and approve purchase orders (POs) in alignment with inventory goals, budget requirements, and operational needs
• Maintain accurate item files, pricing, lead times, and supplier data in ERP systems (SAP Business One preferred)
• Track orders from initiation through delivery, ensuring timely fulfillment and proactively resolving delays or shortfalls
• Work collaboratively with Receiving, Warehouse, and Inventory teams to address discrepancies, rejections, or quality concerns on inbound loads

Inventory & Cost Management

• Collaborate with Inventory and Finance teams to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce aging, overstocks, and spoilage
• Analyze historical usage data, sales forecasts, and seasonal demand patterns to place accurate and timely replenishment orders
• Support cost-savings initiatives including alternative sourcing, freight optimization, and vendor consolidation
• Monitor produce market conditions and recommend price adjustments or purchasing strategy changes to leadership

Quality & Food Safety

• Partner with the Food Safety & Quality Manager to ensure all purchased produce meets Om Produce’s quality standards and food safety requirements
• Apply hands-on produce grading knowledge to evaluate product quality at receiving, assess vendor claims, and make disposition decisions
• Ensure all suppliers comply with FDA, USDA, FSMA, and applicable food safety regulations and maintain required certifications
• Maintain required vendor documentation including certificates of insurance, indemnity agreements, and food safety certifications

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Sales, Quality, and Logistics teams to understand product requirements, solve supply issues, and support new product introductions
• Provide purchasing expertise and market intelligence in operational and leadership meetings
• Communicate supply risks, mitigation plans, and cost impacts to leadership proactively
• Collaborate with the Sales team to align product availability and seasonal offerings with customer demand

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare purchasing reports, spend analysis, and cost-saving summaries for leadership
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, vendor agreements, and quality standards
• Assist in the development and improvement of procurement SOPs, workflows, and best practices

QualificationsEducation & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, Logistics, or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience required; direct fresh produce buying experience is required — candidates without produce industry experience will not be considered
• Deep knowledge of domestic and international produce supply chains, seasonal markets, grower/shipper relationships, and USDA grading standards
• Experience sourcing across multiple produce categories including tropical, specialty, and ethnic produce a significant plus
• Strong experience with ERP systems (SAP Business One preferred) and procurement technology
• Proven track record of negotiation, vendor management, and cost-reduction initiatives in a produce environment

Skills & Competencies

• Expert-level knowledge of fresh produce quality, shelf life, and supply chain dynamics
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with produce vendors and growers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in Excel and data analysis
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make quick, sound purchasing decisions in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail and accuracy in purchasing data and vendor documentation
• Ability to build strong internal and external relationships across growers, shippers, and consolidators
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Physical & Workplace Requirements

• Ability to work in a warehouse and production environment as needed to inspect product or resolve quality issues
• Prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, and phone communication
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
• Occasional travel to vendors, growers, or industry events required

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 per year based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off
• Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding company