Buyer

Description

Overview:


The Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing a portfolio of fresh produce products to support customer demand while maintaining optimal quality, cost competitiveness, and inventory efficiency. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing, monitors market trends, and collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Logistics to ensure consistent product availability and strong margin performance. Buyer also provides foundational analytical and operational support directly to Merchant II, building the competencies required to progress into a Merchant II role over time.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of produce markets, seasonality, and supply chain dynamics, with the ability to make data-informed purchasing decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Source and purchase fresh produce products in alignment with demand forecasts and inventory targets
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, distributors, and vendors
• Negotiate pricing, volume commitments, and service levels to achieve cost and margin objectives
• Identify new suppliers and products to support assortment strategy and customer needs
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, fill rate, and on-time delivery

Category & Inventory Management

• Manage inventory levels to minimize spoilage and shrink while maintaining high service levels
• Track market pricing trends, seasonality, and supply conditions to anticipate cost changes
• Partner with Demand Planning and Sales teams to align purchasing decisions with customer demand patterns
• Ensure product assortment supports company growth initiatives and customer preferences
• Analyze purchasing trends, margins, and product performance

Quality & Operational Coordination

• Partner with Quality Assurance and Warehouse teams to ensure product specifications and quality standards are met
• Resolve product quality or delivery issues in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams
• Coordinate with Logistics and Operations teams to ensure timely product availability
• Support new product launches and transitions between seasonal items

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Utilize purchasing and inventory systems to track product movement and cost trends
• Monitor key metrics including margin, fill rate, spoilage, and inventory turns
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership regarding pricing and assortment strategy

Required Qualifications:

• 2-5+ years of purchasing, merchandising, or supply chain experience (produce or perishable goods strongly preferred)


• Knowledge of produce categories, seasonality, and market dynamics


• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills


• Ability to analyze data and make sound business decisions quickly


• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment


• Proficiency in Excel and purchasing or ERP systems


• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Success Measures:

• Accuracy and reliability of replenishment execution.
• Reduction in OOS, DOH volatility, cuts, and execution errors.
• Clean and accurate MDM/SKU data.
• Quality and timeliness of reporting and analyses provided to Merchant II.
• Demonstrated progression toward Merchant II competency areas.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities. However, the Company reserves the right to adjust, modify, or reassign work tasks and responsibilities as needed to meet changing business needs, operational requirements, or other factors.


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