Produce Buyer Assistant - Fresh, Data-Driven Sourcing

Balls Foods; Missouri; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Balls Foods is seeking an Assistant Produce Buyer for our Central Warehouse in Missouri. You will work closely with the Produce Buyer and leadership to ensure fresh and organic produce meets quality, quantity, timing, and price targets.

You’ll coordinate with growers, suppliers, and internal teams to plan purchases, monitor markets, forecast needs, and manage inventory and logistics across stores.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience in the produce retail and/or wholesale industry.
• Knowledge of fresh and organic produce, including quality, grading, shelf life, and seasonal availability.
• Experience with growers, brokers, suppliers, or distributors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily purchasing of fresh and organic produce products.
• Coordinate purchasing, pricing, and logistics with suppliers and the Central Warehouse.
• Forecast needs and plan purchasing approximately two weeks in advance.
• Monitor produce markets, pricing, and market conditions.
• Analyze purchasing data to support decisions and performance.
• Maintain accurate purchasing information in company systems.
• Support store operations with produce availability across stores.
• Help resolve product quality, availability, pricing, and delivery issues.

Skills

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Pricing analysis

Inventory management

Market analysis

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Excel proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Produce Pro

Job description

Balls Foods is seeking an Assistant Produce Buyer for our Central Warehouse in Missouri. You will work closely with the Produce Buyer and leadership to ensure fresh and organic produce meets quality, quantity, timing, and price targets.

You’ll coordinate with growers, suppliers, and internal teams to plan purchases, monitor markets, forecast needs, and manage inventory and logistics across stores.