Produce Buyer

DescriptionThe Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring fresh fruits and vegetables for retail or wholesale operations. This role involves building relationships with suppliers, negotiating prices, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality produce. The Produce Buyer must stay informed about market trends, seasonal availability, and customer preference to make informed purchasing decisions.Job Duties And ResponsibilitiesNegotiate contracts and prices with suppliersMonitor market trends and seasonal availabilityReview and analyze quality and pricing of productsManage inventory levels to prevent overstock or shortagesCoordinate with logistics and warehouse teams for timely deliveryDevelop and maintain relationships with growers and suppliersForecast demand based on historical data and market trendsEnsure compliance with food safety standards and regulationsCollaborate with sales team to understand customer preferencesEvaluate new suppliers and productsPrepare and manage procurement budgetsCoordinate promotional activities for produce itemsResolve any issues related to product quality or deliveryStay updated with industry developments and innovations We are a family-owned business in food distribution that strives to fill our customers’ needs while maintaining excellent relationships with all shippers, associates, and customers. We are a company that originated over 90 years ago. We distribute fresh fruits and vegetables over a 500-mile radius including, but not limited to Baltimore/Washington, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. During that time, our company has built an excellent reputation for quality, service and dependability.Aside from a favorable salary, we offer a competitive benefits package including:Medical, Prescription, Vision, Dental insuranceCompany paid Disability, Life Insurance and Identity Theft ProtectionFMLA, Traditional and Roth 401K, Matching and Profit Sharing (when eligible), FSA and HSA optionsPaid Vacation, Sick Leave and HolidaysAnd much more!RequirementsEducation Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business or related field. Minimum of 3-5 years in produce buying or similar role.Training, Skills, Licenses: Strong negotiation and communication skills. Knowledge of market trends and seasonal produce. Proficiency in inventory management software. Familiarity with food safety standards and regulations. Strong network of industry contacts. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.Working Conditions: This position is located in an office environment with moderate to low noise levels and is typically sedentary. Daily use of a computer and phone system is necessary as well as interaction with staff, customers and vendors.The above statements reflect general details considered necessary to decide the essential functions of the job identified and is not a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job. Not all functions listed may be performed and other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.EOE/Vet/Disabled