Floral Buyer & Logistics Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job description:

Location: Miami, FL | Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Sales Account Managers and General Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an analytical, proactive, and network-driven Floral Buyer & Logistics Specialist to lead our local procurement operations in Miami. In this role, you will be responsible for developing a robust network of Miami-based floral importers and brokers, ensuring a steady and diversified supply of fresh-cut flowers. You will manage the entire purchasing lifecycle - from negotiating target commodity prices to tracking deliveries directly into our warehouse. Utilizing data-driven Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), you will hold suppliers accountable for quality, price compliance, and on-time performance.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Network Development & Pricing Strategy

• Network Expansion: Proactively scout, vet, and onboard new Miami-based importers.
• Target Price Alignment: Analyze global market fluctuations, seasonal availability, and historical data to establish and maintain competitive target purchasing prices per stem.
• Margin Optimization: Negotiate standing orders and seasonal contract pricing to meet the company's gross margin requirements, while utilizing spot-buys for cost-saving opportunities.

Delivery Tracking & Cold-Chain Logistics

• End-to-End Tracking: Monitor and track the transit of purchased floral products from the moment they land at Miami International Airport (MIA) to their arrival at our facility.
• Cold-Chain Assurance: Ensure all shipments are maintained within strict temperature parameters (34&degree;F to 38&degree;F) throughout transit to preserve vase life.

Quality Assurance & On-Site Inspections

• Warehouse Audits: Visit Miami importer coolers regularly to personally inspect product quality, stem health, bud aperture, and grading uniformity before accepting delivery.
• Claim Management: Document and file immediate credit or rejections for shipments failing to meet quality, count, or temperature standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Price Variance Tracking (PVT): Ability to keep actual purchase prices at or below the established target purchasing price.
• On-Time Delivery (OTD) %: Percentage of supplier shipments that arrive within the designated delivery window.
• Supplier Fill Rate: Percentage of orders fulfilled completely by suppliers without item shortages or substitutions.
• Rejection / Waste Rate: Keeping product rejection rates (due to poor quality, botrytis, or transit damage) below a target threshold (e.g., < 2%).
• Network Redundancy Ratio: Maintaining a minimum of 2–3 approved, active suppliers for every core flower category (e.g., roses, carnations, greens).

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in floral buying, perishable logistics, or supply chain procurement within the Miami import market.
• Financial Literacy: Strong understanding of cost-per-stem pricing models, yield management, and margin calculations.
• Logistics Tech Savvy: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (lookups, pivot tables).
• Local Market Knowledge: Existing relationships with Miami/Doral floral importers.
• Languages & Mobility: Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred. Must have a reliable vehicle for frequent local supplier visits.

Planning & Forecasting

• Collaborate with sales and operations on demand projections.
• Adjust purchasing plans based on turnover, inventory levels, and market trends.
• Monitor supply risks (weather, logistics, regulations, labor).

Additional Preferred Skills

• Power BI and analytics tools (AI).
• Strong decision-making and ability to work under pressure.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Floral buying, logistics, or procurement: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Doral, FL (Required)

Work Location: In person