Produce Buyer

Do organic beets make your heart beat? Do you think it's rad to source locally-grown radishes? Then keep reading because you might be the perfect fit for us! Our growing Produce department features a vast and always changing array of fresh produce, a large majority of which is locally-sourced or organically grown, and all of it is offered at a competitive price. We are seeking a Produce Buyer to join a team known for its excellent customer service skills and enthusiastic knowledge about fruits, veggies, and more. What You\'ll Do: Place and receive orders to keep the department consistently well-stocked Cultivate strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local growers and vendors Track sales trends and seasonal movement to build an exciting, competitive product mix Negotiate pricing and apply variable margin strategies to hit department goals Keep PLUs, costs, and product data accurate and current in our POS system Help plan and maintain eye-catching, well-rotated produce displays Support quarterly inventories, case cleanings, and accurate recordkeeping Deliver excellent customer service and share product knowledge with shoppers Meet regularly with the department manager to align on goals and strategy What We\'re Looking For: Background in purchasing, buying, or inventory management Sharp attention to detail and strong time management Clear, professional communication and organizational skills Comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for long shifts, and working in coolers/freezers Preferred Qualifications: Retail produce experience - purchasing, merchandising, and quality control a plus Working knowledge of organic standards and multi-vendor sourcing Strong numerical/analytical skills for margin tracking and inventory management Background in natural foods or co-op retail Comfortable with MS suite, Google Suite, and point-of-sale systems Why Work With Us? At our Co-op, we offer: Competitive pay and a supportive, inclusive company culture. A comprehensive benefits package, including group health insurance, optional vision and dental coverage, 20% store discount, profit-sharing bonuses, 3+ weeks PTO, and more. Opportunities to learn something new every day in a growing, community-focused workplace. This is a full-time, 32-40 hour-per-week role. $500 hiring bonus available. $500 paid out after 6 months of employment for external candidates only. Learn more about our organization at middlebury.coop #J-18808-Ljbffr