Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY

The Buyer I role is an entry-level buyer position. The position is responsible for the day-to-day purchases and will exercise independent discretion and judgment. This position is also responsible for the development, expansion, and profitability of selected organic commodities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Procure the highest quality commodities at a price that meets the needs of both our customers and vendors
• Work closely with the Logistics Coordinator on Inbound shipment logistics as needed
• Manage inventory effectively and perform a daily inventory to evaluate the quality and condition of items purchased
• Research and identify the highest quality sources of organic commodities
• Closely monitor market conditions and emerging purchasing opportunities to evaluate buying opportunities for the company
• Negotiate competitive and mutually satisfactory prices with vendor stakeholders
• Manage multiple purchase orders throughout each workday
• Ensure sufficient inventory levels are maintained to satisfy customer orders, quality expectations, and promotional products
• Collaborate with the Inbound team (QA-IC, Receiving) to ensure the quality and quantity of incoming products. Effectively communicate with these teams regarding all produce's quality, condition, and seasonality
• Manage in-house quality and inventories
• Resolve any invoicing, quality, and arrival issues that may come up in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Team and Accounts Payable in a timely manner
• Manage shipment logistical arrangements as needed
• Communicate pertinent supply, quality, and promotional information to the internal team, including the Purchasing and Sales departments, in a timely and detailed manner, both verbally and in written forms
• Establish and expand relationships with new and existing vendors
• Research and identify new items and supply channels
• Partner with Sales on large-volume deals
• Contribute to process improvement efforts
• Participate in team projects and activities
• Punctuality, regular and reliable attendance
• Perform other duties as directed, developed, or assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Non-applicable.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education and/or Experience: B.A./B.S., or equivalent work experience. A minimum of five years of hands-on fresh produce experience, preferably in quality control or retail merchandising. A minimum of three years of purchasing experience is strongly preferred.

• Language Skills: Excellent communication skills, including reading, writing, and verbally communicating effectively and professionally with other business departments, customers, and vendors. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with inventory database programs and basic desktop application software. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Database software

• Reasoning Ability: In-depth understanding of quality requirements of discerning retail and institutional customers. Ability to think independently to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of different situations without set guidelines. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report, or schedule form

• Other Skills & Abilities: Appreciation of fresh produce aesthetics and varietal range, with a focus on fruit. Excellent organization and communication skills, positive approach to alternate points of view, and an ability to create agreement. Positive and Professional attitude. Strong networking ability. Attention to detail. Interest in the history and development of the organic produce industry. Ability to work well in an entrepreneurial environment and a culture of experimentation where creativity can help achieve company goals

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand and walk alternatively depending on the specific needs of the day. Estimate 30% of the time is spent on feet and 70% sitting at a desk
• Have an occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting, and reaching above shoulders
• There is a frequent need to perform standing and walking activities
• Consistent need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity
• Lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs frequently and 50 lbs occasionally
• Vision requirements: consistent need to complete forms and view computer screen. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm’s reach
• Hearing requirements: consistent need to communicate over the telephone and in person

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate. This position is occasionally exposed to temperatures varying from 34 to over 70 degrees and humidity levels varying from 80 to 95%.