Produce Specialist

TITLE: Product Specialist
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Purchasing
REPORTS TO: Produce Manager
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Gold Star Foods is the leading food distributor to K-12 schools in the United States. We are a company devoted to providing our customers with incredible customer service. We know that it is our teammates who make the difference! Join our team and find out what it is like to work somewhere where you enjoy getting up for work every day!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The GS Foods Group is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Produce Specialist to oversee the sourcing, quality control, merchandising, and performance of our fresh fruit and vegetable category.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in produce management, a passion for quality and food safety, and the ability to drive sales while minimizing shrink and waste.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sourcing & Quality Control

• Source high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables from approved growers and suppliers.
• Evaluate product quality upon receipt and throughout storage to ensure freshness, appearance, and compliance with company standards.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and maintain strong vendor relationships.

Merchandising & Category Management

• Develop and implement merchandising strategies that maximize product appeal and sales performance.
• Monitor product rotation and presentation to reduce shrink and optimize freshness.
• Partner with sales teams and customers to create seasonal and promotional programs.

Customer Service & Client Support

• Provide expert-level support to key customer accounts.
• Train internal staff and customers on proper produce handling, storage, and display techniques.
• Prepare and distribute market reports, pricing trends, and forward-looking forecasts to customers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on produce trends, availability, and seasonality.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock without overstocking.
• Coordinate proper storage conditions (temperature, humidity, rotation).
• Track and analyze shrink, spoilage, and turnover rates.
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

Sales & Performance Analysis

• Analyze sales data, margin performance, and product movement.
• Work closely with key customer accounts to achieve sales targets and category growth.
• Identify new product opportunities and emerging market trends.
• Support promotional planning and pricing strategies.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of fresh fruits and vegetables, seasonality, and market trends.
• Experience in inventory control and quality assurance.
• Proficiency in analyzing sales and inventory data.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Commitment to food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced distribution environment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of experience in produce management, food distribution, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Salary Range: $80,000.00-$87,000.00


OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required. May include lifting to 25 pounds on occasion.

EOE M/W/Vet/Disabled:

The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned. In the event of an absence where the teammate cannot perform these duties, the Manager will determine who shall perform these duties.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.