Buyer

Company Overview Charlie's Produce is a privately owned wholesale produce company and the largest privately owned produce wholesaler on the West Coast. We are growing and focus on people, fostering a working environment that encourages loyalty, stability, innovation, and growth. Benefits and Compensation An amazing company culture! Medical/Dental/Vision on the first of the month following hire. ESOP (Profit Sharing) and 401(k). Paid vacations, paid holidays and sick days. 100% Prepaid College Tuition for employees and their dependents. Employee assistance program (EAP). Compensation details include: $80K – 95K annual, potential 90‑day performance‑based raise, yearly review with possibility of increase based on performance and tenure. Job Description: The Role We are seeking an individual with a genuine passion for sourcing the finest produce, cultivating mutually advantageous partnerships with growers, and contributing to value creation for our Retail, Wholesale, and Food Service customers. This role involves identifying and acquiring both conventional and organic products and reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager and Procurement Supervisors. Essential Responsibilities Analyze daily inventory reports to maintain appropriate levels, minimize out‑of‑stock issues, address excess or aged inventory, and determine optimal order quantities. Select and buy product based on procurement programs, quality, vendor partnerships, promotional activity, and other relevant factors. Develop and implement strategies to maximize gross profit by coordinating sales, gross margin, inventory turns, and managing costs. Recommend and manage merchandise strategies for assigned categories, collaborating with sales to identify and exploit merchandising opportunities, and proposing programs and plans for supervisor approval. Evaluate and select vendors while negotiating product costs. Establish and maintain mutually beneficial vendor relationships. Identify new business opportunities aligned with short- and long-term business strategies. Assist in vendor rebate reconciliation and resolve vendor claims related to consigned or protected products. Follow established best practices and processes. Consistently demonstrate ownership of and responsibility for items managed and one’s results. All employees are responsible for ensuring food safety and must promptly report any compromises to food safety or quality. Peripheral duties: Projects and tasks as assigned by the Regional Procurement Manager or Procurement Supervisors. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing fresh produce, with a proven track record in expediting and handling administrative tasks associated with fresh produce procurement. In-depth knowledge of fresh produce commodities, FOB, and related non-produce product lines. Ability to travel to Mexico. High School diploma; proficiency in PC skills including Excel, Word, Outlook, and 10‑key. Demonstrated proficiency in negotiation techniques. Background in inventory management, including forecasting and planning. Exceptional teamwork skills, ability to thrive in a fast‑paced work environment, and willingness to support all team members within the department. Strong basic math skills, including the capability to calculate cases, pallets, product costs, and margins quickly. Excellent ability to manage multiple tasks, excel under pressure, prioritize, and meet deadlines; strong oral and written communication skills. Highly effective interpersonal skills for communication with vendors, customers, and colleagues. Bi‑lingual Spanish preferred. Ability to travel to Mexico 3‑4 times per year as needed to visit vendors. Additional Information All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. This is a safety‑sensitive position. The employer participates in E‑Verify and will provide required information to confirm work authorization. We do not provide H1‑B sponsorship at this time. Pay range is an estimate and actual compensation will depend on qualification, experience, skill, and work location within the state. Charlie's Produce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr