Produce Buyer

Trader Joe's; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Trader Joe's is seeking an experienced Produce Buyer to join our team, with the role based in either Monrovia, CA, or Boston, MA. The work week is Sunday through Thursday, focusing on efficient produce flow from vendors to warehouses to stores.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years in produce buying, strong vendor negotiations, and excellent Excel skills, delivering data-driven decisions and reliable product availability.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of produce buying experience in grocery, wholesale, or distribution.
• Strong negotiation skills and prior vendor management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Create, manage, and direct weekly purchase orders to guarantee timely produce arrivals to warehouses and stores.
• Communicate out-of-stock positions and product updates within the Produce category.
• Manage Just-in-Time and Cross-Dock supply at each warehouse.
• Collaborate with Category Managers to plan and project store needs and marketing.
• Maintain weekly fill rates to ensure stores receive necessary volumes.
• Coordinate with other departments to resolve shipment or cost discrepancies.
• Incorporate customer and crew feedback into category improvements.

Skills

Produce buying experience

Vendor management

Negotiation

Customer feedback analysis

Tools

Excel

Job description

Who are we?

Trader Joe's is your favorite neighborhood grocery store! With over 630 stores nationwide (and growing), we are the place to be. Looking for something delicious and a friendly conversation? At Trader Joe's, you can find both. We love being your first and favorite place to shop.

What do we do?

Like shopping at Trader Joe's? Then, maybe you'll love working with us. We are looking for an experienced Produce Buyer who is searching to do what they'll love! Do you have experience in Produce Buying or allocation? Do you love food, especially fruits and vegetables? If so, read on! We may have the role of a lifetime for you!

Trader Joe's is unlike any place you've ever worked. Trust us on that. The qualified Produce Buyer has at least two years of buying experience and is a raving fan of the Trader Joe's concept. In this role, you will work with vendors and our internal teams to maintain efficient product flow from vendors to warehouses to stores! A successful candidate for this position will have excellent time management, outstanding problem-solving, and strong analytical skills.

This role may be based in either our Monrovia, CA, or Boston, MA, office, and the work week is Sunday - Thursday

The Produce Buyer is responsible for:

• Creating, managing, and directing purchase orders every week to guarantee the timely arrival of produce to all warehouse locations.
• Managing and communicating out-of-stock positions or other product updates within the Produce category.
• Managing Just-in-Time and Cross-Dock supply effectively at each warehouse.
• Working with Category Managers in planning and projecting the expected needs of our store locations and marketing.
• Maintaining weekly fill rates to ensure our stores receive the volumes they need to support their customers.
• Working collaboratively with other departments to resolve any shipment or cost discrepancies.
• Listening and taking feedback from our customers and crew members about the Produce category.

The qualified candidate has:

• At least 2 years of produce buying experience: grocery stores, produce wholesalers, produce distributors, or growers.
• Strong negotiation skills and prior vendor management experience.
• Uses feedback to research issues, understands customer preferences, and stays ahead of concerns with Category Managers.
• Has a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and especially Excel.

Trader Joe's is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to hiring a diverse Crew.