Buyer

EarthFresh; Burlington; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

EarthFresh is seeking a professional Buyer to procure fresh produce across Canada, reporting to the Director of Procurement, Canada. The role involves purchasing bulk and packed produce, managing inventory, and building grower relationships.

Key qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma, 3–5 years of buying experience in produce, strong negotiation and communication skills, and the ability to travel within Canada/US as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in business or relevant field.
• 3-5 years buying/procurement experience; experience in produce is a strong asset.
• Proficient in MS Office and inventory management software.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal).
• Excellent organizational skills; detail oriented with ability to balance priorities.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong relationship building and negotiating skills.
• Willingness to travel within Canada/US as required.
• Agriculture/produce knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Identify purchasing needs of the company.
• Forecast demand with internal departments to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Evaluate suppliers for quality, service, and supply of produce items.
• Build relationships with new and existing suppliers and growers.
• Negotiate with suppliers and growers to maintain competitive costs.
• Manage purchased inventory and ensure proper rotation of product.
• Monitor purchases for on-time deliveries and overdue shipments.
• Update price lists for departments and communicate accordingly.
• Perform other duties as required by the Director of Procurement, Canada.

Skills

3-5 years buying experience

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Detail oriented

Problem solving & analytics

Relationship building & negotiating

Flexibility & hours

Travel (Canada/US)

Produce industry knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in business or relevant field

Tools

MS Office

Inventory management software

Job description

OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Director of Procurement, Canada, the Buyer will be responsible for procuring fresh produce from multiple regions across Canada. The main responsibilities of this position will include purchasing both bulk and packed fresh produce, managing inventory as well as developing grower relationships with new and existing suppliers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in business or a relevant field of study

Experience & Skills:

• 3-5 years of buying/procurement experience (within produce industry is a strong asset)
• Proficient in MS Office in addition to knowledge of inventory management software
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Detail oriented and able to balance multiple priorities
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong relationship building and negotiating skills
• Flexibility and willingness to work outside of regular working hours as required
• Ability to travel from time to time in Canada/U.S. (attend trade shows, visit vendors, etc.)
• Agriculture/product knowledge as it relates to produce industry considered an asset

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Identify purchasing needs of the company.
2. Work with internal departments to forecast demand and appropriate inventory levels.
3. Evaluate suppliers for quality, service, and supply of produce items.
4. Build relationships with new and existing suppliers and growers.
5. Negotiate with suppliers and growers in order to maintain a competitive cost of goods.
6. Manage purchased inventory and rotation of product.
7. Monitor purchases for on-time deliveries and overdue shipments.
8. Update price lists for departments and communicate accordingly.
9. Perform other duties as required by the Director of Procurement, Canada.