Junior Produce Buyer

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Paid time off
• Training & development

The Junior Produce Buyer supports the procurement team in sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables at competitive costs while maintaining quality, consistency, and supply reliability. This role is execution-focused and detail-driven, serving as a pipeline position for developing into a full Produce Buyer.

The Junior Buyer works closely with sales, operations, logistics, and quality control to ensure product availability aligns with customer demand, pricing strategies, and margin targets.

• Assist senior buyers with daily purchasing of assigned produce categories
• Communicate with growers, shippers, brokers, and import partners regarding pricing, availability, and market conditions
• Request, review, and compare quotes; prepare buy sheets and purchase recommendations
• Track open orders, arrivals, shortages, substitutions, and overages

• Monitor daily market trends, seasonality, supply disruptions, and pricing volatility
• Maintain accurate cost data including FOB, freight, duty, and landed cost calculations
• Assist with margin analysis and cost‑plus pricing strategies
• Support weekly and monthly procurement reporting

• Coordinate with QC teams on inbound product quality, rejections, and claims
• Communicate quality feedback to vendors and document issues
• Support inventory rotation, shelf‑life awareness, and waste reduction initiatives

• Work closely with sales to ensure product availability aligns with demand
• Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams on delivery timing and volume accuracy
• Assist in ERP updates (purchase orders, item costs, vendor records)

• Maintain organized records of purchases, confirmations, and vendor communications
• Follow internal SOPs related to food safety, traceability, and compliance
• Assist in vendor onboarding and documentation tracking when needed

• 1–3 years of experience in produce, food distribution, logistics, or procurement (preferred)
• Strong numerical skills with comfort analyzing pricing and margins
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP systems (or ability to learn quickly)
• Ability to work early hours and respond to time‑sensitive market changes

• Experience in wholesale produce, import/export, or perishable goods
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• Understanding of produce seasonality and supply chains
• Exposure to FOB buying, freight coordination, or quality control processes

• Analytical thinking
• Execution under pressure
• Vendor relationship management
• Cost awareness and margin discipline
• Team collaboration and accountability

• Produce Buyer
• Category Buyer
• Senior Buyer / Procurement Manager

High performers will gain increased buying authority, vendor ownership, and category responsibility.