Green Goods Buyer

NORTHERN NURSERIES, INC; Windsor Locks (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern-Nurserie is seeking a Green Goods Buyer to source nursery stock, negotiate supplier terms, and manage relationships with growers across the United States. The role blends horticultural knowledge with strategic purchasing and inventory planning.

You will travel to grower locations, coordinate inbound shipments, monitor seasonal demand, and collaborate with distribution centers and sales teams to ensure inventory accuracy and competitive pricing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in horticulture or nursery operations.
• Strong knowledge of nursery stock and plant ID.
• Experience negotiating pricing and managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Willing to travel nationwide.
• Valid driver's license with clean record.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase nursery stock to support operations.
• Develop and maintain grower/vendor relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, freight, and terms.
• Travel to grower locations to inspect plant material.
• Coordinate inbound shipments and logistics while minimizing costs.
• Monitor inventory levels and seasonal demand trends.
• Attend industry events to stay informed on market trends.
• Analyze purchasing data to support profitability.

Skills

Sourcing

Negotiation

Inventory management

Travel readiness

Vendor relationship management

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Business, Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Description

The Green Goods Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing nursery stock for multiple company locations, negotiating supplier agreements, maintaining strong vendor relationships, and ensuring product availability aligns with customer demand. This role combines horticultural expertise, purchasing strategy, inventory planning, and travel to leading growers throughout the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and purchase a broad assortment of trees, shrubs, perennials, and nursery stock to support company operations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, vendors, and industry partners.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, freight arrangements, and supplier terms.
• Travel to grower locations to inspect plant material and evaluate product quality.
• Collaborate with Distribution Center leadership and sales teams to ensure accurate inventory availability and competitive pricing.
• Monitor inventory levels, market conditions, and seasonal demand trends.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and emerging products within the green industry.
• Resolve vendor discrepancies, freight issues, and supplier credit claims.
• Coordinate inbound shipments and logistics while optimizing transportation costs.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and grower meetings to stay informed on market trends and innovations.
• Analyze purchasing data and provide recommendations that support company profitability and growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in horticulture, nursery operations, landscape supply, garden center management, or a related green industry field.
• Strong working knowledge of nursery stock, plant identification, and product quality standards.
• Experience negotiating pricing and managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to travel throughout the United States as needed.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Previous purchasing, buying, inventory, or procurement experience within the nursery, greenhouse, or landscape industry.
• Experience working with ERP, inventory, or purchasing management systems.