Senior Produce Buyer

Job Summary:The produce buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned items. This individual is responsible for cost negotiations, forecasting, product replenishment, assisting with category development/management and the entire lifecycle from grower/producer to Retail Partners for assigned produce commodities. Position Responsibilities:• Forecast and purchase produce daily, sustaining proper inventory levels aligning with demand, while adhering to company dwell time expectations and quality standards. • Negotiate costs with supply partners ensuring both the lowest costs and alignment with required company product specifications. • Achieve designated service level, gross profit and procurement shrink results for assigned commodities. • Review and analyze inventory levels daily to evaluate service levels and inventory turns; adjust purchase orders as needed to meet customer demand. • Demonstrate strong knowledge of the supplier industry and competitive landscape to capture opportunities to enhance sales and profit growth. • Participate in weekly P&A meetings with recommendations for both wholesale and retail pricing adjustments to achieve sales and profit goals. • Minimize costing/pricing accuracy errors by ensuring PO's are executed properly. • Manage new item ordering process through creation of new item forms and vendor setup to ensure speed to market. • Develop and nurture strong vendor relationships to secure product supply, maintain compliance, optimize pricing, and build programs. Requirements Position Requirements:• Bachelor's degree or 10 years produce experience • Experience in a purchasing role preferred • Product knowledge of produce items, accounting principles, and communication skills • Knowledge of warehouse functions, billing, and receiving procedures • Solid financial, mathematical, statistical, marketing, merchandising, and consumer research background to read, interpret, and understand how internal and external factors influence financial results • Familiarity with category business planning and/or ability to learn • Negotiation and/or influencing skills, or the ability to learn