Buyer - Produce

Produce Buyer About Bandwagon Established in 1988, Bandwagon is a highly respected wholesale produce provider. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality fresh specialty produce in all categories of fruits and vegetables from all corners of the world. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, strong grower relationships, and a deep knowledge of produce markets. Position Summary As a Produce Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing fresh produce and specialty items to meet customer demand and service expectations while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This role requires strong knowledge of produce markets, grower relationships, seasonal availability, and the ability to analyze buying trends and market conditions to support company objectives. You will work closely with growers, suppliers, sales, and operations teams to ensure product quality, competitive pricing, timely delivery, and profitability. Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Walk the LA Produce Market daily to inspect produce for quality, freshness, grading, and pricing opportunities Source, select, and purchase fresh produce and specialty items from growers, distributors, and suppliers Negotiate pricing, freight terms, and purchase agreements to ensure timely delivery and competitive costs Research and introduce new items to the sales team to expand product offerings Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and logistics partners Understand and communicate seasonal and growing conditions, market trends, pricing, product movement, and sales trends Coordinate and secure freight or transportation as needed Inspect inbound products for quality, grade, defects, and compliance with company standards when required Maintain accurate inventory levels and product identification for optimal turns, freshness, and profitability Support team goals related to customer service, accuracy, productivity, and departmental objectives Assist in managing product rotation, inventory turns, and reporting as needed Track and communicate pricing trends, product movement, and sales patterns to support planning and forecasting Assist other team members as needed to ensure efficient daily operations and support company objectives Food Safety & Compliance Follow company food safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) Ensure purchased products meet all company quality, food safety, and regulatory standards Maintain proper documentation related to product sourcing, traceability, and inspections Participate in food safety training and complete required documentation Follow company safety procedures and report unsafe conditions or actions to management Support company food safety programs, audits, and regulatory compliance efforts Qualifications and Skills Knowledge of USDA grading, conditioning, and proper storage temperature requirements Knowledge of specialty produce characteristics, quality standards, and seasonal growing trends Familiarity with PACA rules Minimum 3–5 years of experience in wholesale produce buying preferred Experience with Produce Pro or similar produce management software is a plus Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills Ability to analyze pricing trends, inventory levels, and sales data to make purchasing decisions High attention to detail and strong problem‑solving abilities Creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn Integrity, ethics, and professionalism Ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment Bilingual in Spanish preferred, not required Physical Requirements Ability to lift, move, or inspect product cases up to 60 lbs Ability to stand and walk for long periods, including walking the LA Produce Market Ability to work in refrigerated warehouse environments as needed Occasional travel to markets, suppliers, or warehouses may be required Schedule and Compensation Schedule determined by business needs, including early morning market visits Competitive salary based on experience Benefits: Vision, Dental, and Medical Insurance Profit‑sharing plan Paid time off and holiday pay EEO Statement Bandwagon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Reasonable Accommodations Statement Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. E-Verify Participation Statement Bandwagon participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr