Buyer-Fresh Produce

Wards produce; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Wards produce in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Purchasing Agent to oversee perishable food commodities, ensure adequate inventory, and maximize margins under contract terms while guarding freshness and shelf life. You will enter purchase orders, negotiate with suppliers, monitor quality issues and credits, collaborate with QC and Inventory teams, and support logistics to prevent shortages.

Proficiency in Excel and ERP is essential; a bachelor's degree in logistics or supply chain is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.
• 2–3 years of experience in the Supply Chain or Logistics.
• Experience purchasing full truckload quantities of perishable products.

Responsibilities

• Enter purchase orders to maintain inventory for perishable products.
• Procure quantities under contracts to meet concepts.
• Communicate shortages with other departments.
• Work with suppliers to reduce costs and shipping expenses.
• Address shipping issues and credits for unusable products.
• Ensure weekly purchases align with pricing requirements.
• Collaborate with QC and Inventory to ensure shelf life availability.
• Coordinate with warehouse, shipping, and production departments.
• Manage costing in ERP to achieve margins.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Data manipulation

Calculations

Reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics or Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Supplier portals

Job description

Job Purpose/ObjectiveThe Purchasing Agent will oversee the assigned perishable food commodities and ensure that inventory levels are adequate to meet the current business demands, while strictly managing product freshness and rotation. This role also involves meeting margin targets for all purchased products while acquiring the right amounts under specific contracts to comply with individual concepts. Additionally, the agent will be tasked with managing inventory effectively to reduce shrinkage for the products they handle.Essential Job Functions:Ensure the entry of purchase orders to uphold adequate inventory levels corresponding to the current business demands for all perishable productsProcure appropriate quantities under specific contracts to ensure compliance with individual concepts.Engage in communication with colleagues from other departments regarding potential shortages and seek assistance as necessary to sustain adequate inventory levels.Utilize established relationships with current suppliers while exploring new suppliers' options to realize cost reductions on products and shipping expenses.Address any issues with shippers promptly, with particular attention to monitoring quality concerns related to unusable products and the necessary credits associated with them.Confirm that specific purchases are made weekly to meet essential pricing requirements.Attend to all inquiries from sales associates regarding perishable product requests, special orders, and product information.Collaborate with the Quality Control and Inventory teams to ensure the availability of sellable products throughout their shelf life.Additional Job Functions:Manage costing functions in ERP for price basis at market cost to achieve margin goalsCommunicate with warehouse, customer service, and shipping departments concerning product issues, shortages, returns, transfers, etc.Coordinate with the precut department to maintain proper levels of product needed for productionCoordinate with the transportation department concerning any specific pickups or delivery requirementsCommunicate with other purchasing department members in problem solving and achievement of departmental and individual goals and resultsWorking Conditions/Job Environment:The physical demands associated with this position are generally classified as light, with approximately 85% of the time spent sitting and 15% engaged in standing or walking activities.Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.2 to 3 years of experience in the Supply Chain or Logistics.Experienced in purchasing full truckload quantities of perishable productsKnowledge: Proficiency in Microsoft ExcelSkills and Abilities: Capable of data manipulation, performing calculations, and Compiling information into comprehensive reports.Work Location: In person