PRODUCE BUYER

Spokane Produce Inc; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 34,095 - 48,560; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with employer match

Paid on-the-job training

Employee discounts

Job summary

Spokane Produce Inc in Spokane, WA is seeking an experienced buyer responsible for sourcing conventional and organic products for retail and wholesale customers. The ideal candidate should possess strong negotiation skills, a passion for produce quality, and a commitment to high customer service standards.

Applicants must have over 5 years of relevant experience, knowledge of USDA standards, and excellent organizational skills.

Competitive compensation starts at $30+ per hour along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills are essential.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Identify and procure conventional and organic products.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing and promotions.
• Manage inventory to meet company expectations.

Skills

Customer service

Negotiation

Relationship building

Produce sourcing

MS Office proficiency

Education

5+ years of experience in produce

Knowledge of USDA standards

Job description

Who We Are

Spokane Produce, Inc. is an independent family owned and operated company. We have been in business since the 1940's. We provide the finest quality products to grocery, restaurant, other wholesalers and government agencies with the highest level of customer service in the Northwest.

Spokane Produce is one of the few suppliers dedicated to taking the time and effort in developing a strong supplier/customer relationship on a long‑term basis. At Spokane Produce, we believe we can provide our customers with an honest relationship, the finest quality fresh produce and related products combined with a superior level of customer service. The quality of an organization is indeed the product of the people who make it all happen. Our success is due to our amazing team of employees, and we are looking to add qualified talent to our dedicated and valued team.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation starting at $30.00+ hourly depending on experience.
• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company paid life insurance. All insurance available first of the month after 60 days.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Coverage under state sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid on‑the‑job training.
• Job stability.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within our company – We do promote within.
• Employee discounts on in‑house purchases.

Job Summary

As a member of our buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring conventional and organic products for our retail, wholesale, and food service customers. The ideal candidate is passionate about sourcing the best products available, creating mutually beneficial relationships with growers and working with customers collaboratively (internally and externally) to create the highest quality and value.

Essential Duties

• Communicate and direct sales team on produce categories.
• Negotiate and collaborate with suppliers on pricing, product assortment, promotions, ads, services, and support; acts as primary contact with direct suppliers.
• Continually identify and determine optimum source of supply to ensure best cost and highest quality products and service.
• Select and order commodities from growers and purchase commodities on open market basing selection on nature of clientele, or demand for specific commodity utilizing knowledge of various articles of commerce and experience as buyer.
• Check and inspect quality of incoming products specific to each individual buyer.
• Participate in daily warehouse walks to inspect and grade or appraise agricultural and other commodities offered for sale to determine value and yield.
• Manage inventory count sheets to assure accuracy; manage weekly availability guides to facilitate store ordering.
• Manage inventory, shrink and service levels to meet or exceed company expectations.
• Establish, maintain and manage relationships with suppliers.
• Communicate effectively and routinely with sales, warehousing, and transportation departments.
• Monitor, manage and report business trends in the industry and maintain awareness of market trends, food safety, technology, and weather across all growing regions.
• Conduct sales and profit analyses; maintain and review price files and competitive price checks.
• Proactively seek out and communicate new and innovative items to customers.
• Must be able to travel occasionally (seasonal travel).
• Maintain high quality standards while purchasing products.
• Acquire promotional pricing and set proper volumes for promotional extra sales.
• Must follow good manufacturing practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times.
• 5+ years of produce (mixed items) experience. Knowledge of organic items and processed items.
• Knowledge of USDA standards.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills as well as the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to effectively negotiate and build strong partnerships with vendors.
• Ability to adapt to the ever‑changing high volume while working in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Solid proficiency in MS Office products with an emphasis in Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills is essential.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and accomplish individual and team goals to provide the highest quality and service.

All candidates must be able to pass a pre‑employment criminal background check and drug screen, and continue to satisfy our drug testing policy if offered employment. We are a Federal Contractor and drug‑free workplace, which includes a prohibition on marijuana use for all employees.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability or protected veteran status.