Produce Buyer

Produce BuyerThe Produce Buyer is responsible for procuring the food category of Food Service products at the appropriate quality, best price, and within an acceptable time frame. The Produce Buyer is responsible for all issues pertaining to inventory within their category. Food service distributor in Astoria, NY servicing the Tri-State area for over 50 Years is seeking a Food Buyer. Five Days Working Onsite in Office 5 days a week. 85K-95K plus Benefits Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Procure all items within the food category of Food Service products. Negotiate agreements with suppliers to attain acceptable quality, best price, and timely deliveries for the Company. Understands and follows the corporation's policies and guidelines regarding the ethical conduct of purchasing activities. Prepares a monthly report by vendor of purchasing activity including price deviations, quality problems, on-time deliveries, late deliveries, promotions, and sales velocity. Maintains contact with all markets and vendors from which the Company procures goods or services through personal contact, professional associations, and trade publications. Prepares vendor purchase orders, enters orders into the system, sends to vendor/broker, and confirms the date of delivery and price. Maintains vendor purchase orders and quotation files. Issues and monitors Company quotation requests for all new material to be purchased. Prepares an annual budget and plans to support the Company with purchasing services. Negotiates major purchase contracts which are of a duration of greater than twelve months. Establishes and directs a cost reduction program aimed at lowering overall purchased goods costs. Builds and maintains good business vendor relationships, and seeks out new or alternative vendors as required. Establishes and maintains raw material inventory and periodically checks quantities to ensure accuracy. Resolves order and billing discrepancies in coordination with accounting and vendors, and responds to inquiries on any product/produce received. Processes returned purchase items that are not acceptable or do not meet specifications. Communicates with management concerning new products, and forecasts for new and existing products. Initiates and distributes change notices for purchased items such as changes in specifications, part numbers, and sources. Communicate with shipping/receiving regarding incoming and outgoing shipments daily. Communicate with vendors about the need to promote or return slow-moving inventory. Communicate with management current market information. Perform other duties as assigned by management. Competencies: Oral Communication Skills Written Communication Skills Professionalism Customer Service Computer Literacy Math Aptitude Negotiations Vendor Negotiations Purchasing - Produce Organization Time Management Outside Sales Selling Benefits: * PTO - Vacation, Personal and Sick Days * Health - Medical, Dental and Vision * 401K