Associate Buyer

Company Description CP Fresh is a Charlie’s Produce Company – Who We Are. Charlie’s Produce is the largest privately owned produce wholesaler on the West Coast, and we are growing. The secret to our success in this industry is PEOPLE! We strive to hire the best and reward them with a working environment that fosters loyalty, stability, innovation, and growth. Charlie’s was founded in quality, and we are proud that it is still our focus. CP Fresh brings the same quality to processed foods that Charlie’s brings to produce. Our state‑of‑the‑art processing plant provides fresh‑cut fruits and vegetables, an expanded salad line, and a USDA‑certified hot kitchen. We partner with local vendors to offer our customers fresh, high‑quality, made‑to‑order products. With a team of dedicated people who are passionate about food, supply chain, and their community, we are looking for like minded individuals to help further our goal to enhance our communities through quality produce and prepared foods. What We Offer 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 Pre‑tax commuter benefits, and onsite parking Coverage under State Sick Leave 100% Prepaid College Tuition for employees and their dependents Employee assistance program (EAP) Additional Compensation Details $28-33 an hour Potential 90‑day performance‑based raise Yearly review with possibility of increase based on performance and tenure Job Description The Associate Buyer role is an on‑site position that requires regular attendance at the facility. This role supports procurement operations by assisting with purchasing activities, maintaining inventory levels, and coordinating with vendors and internal teams. Working under the guidance of the Materials Manager, the Associate Buyer ensures timely and accurate order placement, supports supplier communication, and helps maintain product availability to meet operational and customer needs. This position requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments. Duties Assist in purchasing designated products to meet quality, quantity, and service level requirements Create and manage purchase orders in accordance with procurement guidelines Track and follow up on orders to ensure accurate and timely delivery Maintain and update vendor information, product data, and pricing in procurement systems Support inventory management by monitoring stock levels and identifying potential shortages or excess Assist with reviewing open purchase orders, backorders, and inventory discrepancies Coordinate with warehouse, operations, QA, and sales teams to ensure product availability and accuracy Communicate with vendors regarding order status, pricing, and delivery schedules Assist in resolving receiving discrepancies, quality issues, and invoice variances Monitor basic market conditions and pricing trends for assigned products Support product recalls and ensure documentation is accurate and complete Participate in facility walkthroughs to observe inventory condition and handling practices Maintain accurate records and documentation for procurement activities Follow all food safety, GMP, and company safety policies Perform administrative tasks and special projects as assigned by the Procurement Specialist or leadership Qualifications 0–2 years of purchasing, inventory, supply chain, or related experience (food industry preferred but not required) Basic understanding of procurement or inventory processes Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines Strong communication skills, both verbal and written Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) Experience with ERP or purchasing systems is a plus Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Willingness to learn market dynamics and procurement practices Ability to follow direction while developing independent decision‑making skills Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. This is a safety‑sensitive position. This employer participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. We do not provide H1‑B sponsorships at this time. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as the physical work location within the state. Charlie's Produce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit our Employment Page for more details or to view our privacy center: #J-18808-Ljbffr