Buyer

Buyer – Produce Purchasing, Procurement & Logistics

Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 per year based on experience
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Primarily 6:00 am - 3:00 pm (flexibility required, including occasional weekends)
Location: In person

Summary / Objective

We are seeking an experienced Produce Buyer to manage the purchasing, procurement, and inbound logistics of perishable agricultural commodities. This role serves as the primary point of contact for growers and producers while working cross-functionally with Sales, Inventory, Receiving, Quality Assurance, and Transportation teams.

The ideal candidate has strong market knowledge, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage both sourcing and logistics in a fast-paced produce distribution environment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, controlling costs, minimizing waste, and ensuring on-time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Source and procure produce within assigned categories at competitive market pricing

• Lead RFQ processes while considering supply agreements, market conditions, and demand

• Monitor market trends, pricing, seasonality, and availability to optimize purchase decisions

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with growers and producers

• Provide short-term demand forecasts to producer partners

• Support promotional and pricing strategies in collaboration with Senior Management

• Align sourcing decisions with Sales to meet customer specifications and expectations

Inventory, Quality & Operations

• Maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing spoilage and waste

• Partner with Operations and Receiving teams to ensure inbound product meets quality, condition, and grade standards

• Resolve billing discrepancies, quality issues, and quantity claims with suppliers

• Communicate out-of-stock items, market changes, and product updates to internal teams

Logistics & Transportation

• Negotiate, book, and dispatch inbound freight

• Dispatch trucks to optimize freight cost and delivery performance

• Maintain consistent communication with drivers and carriers

• Troubleshoot and resolve transportation issues such as delays, breakdowns, or rerouting

• Respond to after-hours purchasing and operational needs as required

Administrative & Financial

• Audit purchase orders and reconcile invoices

• Investigate gross margin discrepancies and ensure purchasing accuracy

• Maintain timely, professional, and responsive communication across teams

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Strong knowledge of produce varieties, seasonality, growing practices, and quality standards

• Experience with load boards such as DAT and Truckstop is a plus

• Strong negotiation and analytical skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (spreadsheets, documents, presentations)

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving, team-oriented environment

• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and be available when needed

• Comfortable working in both office and warehouse settings

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in purchasing, inventory, or supply chain management

• 2+ years of relevant experience in farming, produce retail, or produce distribution

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands and arms

• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Benefits

• 401(k)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Flexible schedule