Produce Buyer at Class Produce Group in Jessup, MD

Description

The 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 Responsibilities:

• Negotiate contracts and prices with suppliers
• Monitor market trends and seasonal availability
• Review and analyze quality and pricing of products
• Manage inventory levels to prevent overstock or shortages
• Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams for timely delivery
• Develop and maintain relationships with growers and suppliers
• Forecast demand based on historical data and market trends
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations
• Collaborate with sales team to understand customer preferences
• Evaluate new suppliers and products
• Prepare and manage procurement budgets
• Coordinate promotional activities for produce items
• Resolve any issues related to product quality or delivery
• Stay 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 insurance
• Company paid Disability, Life Insurance and Identity Theft Protection
• FMLA, Traditional and Roth 401K, Matching and Profit Sharing (when eligible), FSA and HSA options
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• And much more!

Requirements

Education 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