Buyer- Seasonal

Produce Buyer About Bandwagon Established in 1988, Bandwagon is a highly respected wholesale produce provider. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality fresh specialty produce in all categories of fruits and vegetables from all corners of the world. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, strong grower relationships, and a deep knowledge of produce markets.
Position Summary As a Produce Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, and purchasing fresh produce and specialty items to meet customer demand and service expectations while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This role requires strong knowledge of produce markets, grower relationships, seasonal availability, and the ability to analyze buying trends and market conditions to support company objectives. You will work closely with growers, suppliers, sales, and operations teams to ensure product quality, competitive pricing, timely delivery, and profitability.
Walk the LA Produce Market daily to inspect produce for quality, freshness, grading, and pricing opportunities
Negotiate pricing, freight terms, and purchase agreements to ensure timely delivery and competitive costs
Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers, and logistics partners
Understand and communicate seasonal and growing conditions, market trends, pricing, product movement, and sales trends
Coordinate and secure freight or transportation as needed
Inspect inbound products for quality, grade, defects, and compliance with company standards when required
Maintain accurate inventory levels and product identification for optimal turns, freshness, and profitability
Support team goals related to customer service, accuracy, productivity, and departmental objectives
Assist in managing product rotation, inventory turns, and reporting as needed
Track and communicate pricing trends, product movement, and sales patterns to support planning and forecasting
Assist other team members as needed to ensure efficient daily operations and support company objectives
Food Safety & Compliance

Follow company food safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Ensure purchased products meet all company quality, food safety, and regulatory standards
Maintain proper documentation related to product sourcing, traceability, and inspections
Participate in food safety training and complete required documentation
Support company food safety programs, audits, and regulatory compliance efforts
Knowledge of USDA grading, conditioning, and proper storage temperature requirements
Knowledge of specialty produce characteristics, quality standards, and seasonal growing trends
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in wholesale produce buying preferred
Experience with Produce Pro or similar produce management software is a plus
Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
Ability to analyze pricing trends, inventory levels, and sales data to make purchasing decisions
Bilingual in Spanish preferred, not required
Ability to work in refrigerated warehouse environments as needed
Occasional travel to markets, suppliers, or warehouses may be required
Schedule determined by business needs, including early morning market visits
Benefits: Vision, Dental, and Medical Insurance
Paid time off and holiday pay
EEO Statement Bandwagon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.