Buyer (Fruits & Vegetables) (225-808)

The Buyer for Fruits & Vegetables is a crucial role within the retail and wholesale food industry, responsible for sourcing high-quality produce at competitive prices while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and farmers. This position requires someone with a keen understanding of market trends, seasonality of produce, and the ability to forecast demand accurately. The ideal candidate will possess negotiation skills, a strategic mindset, and have a passion for fresh produce. The role involves travel to meet suppliers, inspect produce quality, and ensure adherence to safety and sustainability standards. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the supply chain by ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of fruits and vegetables that meets customer demands and expectations.

Responsibilities

• Assess market trends and evaluate supplier performance to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Maintain strong relationships with farmers and suppliers to secure optimal produce quality.
• Conduct regular visits to supplier sites to assess production processes and quality standards.
• Monitor inventory levels to avoid stockouts and manage surplus effectively.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sustainability standards in all purchasing activities.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with company objectives and budget.
• Analyze demand forecasts to plan and adjust purchasing orders accordingly.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure standards are consistently met.
• Stay informed about industry developments and emerging trends that can affect supply chain dynamics.
• Manage vendor performance through establishing key performance indicators and regular assessments.
• Communicate with transportation and logistics teams to coordinate efficient product deliveries.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in produce buying or a similar field.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build strong supplier relationships.
• Excellent understanding of agricultural markets and produce seasonality.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and analyze cost-effectiveness efficiently.
• Ability to travel frequently to meet with suppliers and inspect farms.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using procurement software.