Produce Purchasing Manager

Jobot; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking an experienced Produce Category Manager to lead sourcing, pricing and supplier relationships for fresh produce. The role focuses on ownership of assigned categories, managing inventory, margin and performance metrics in a fast-paced environment.

You will negotiate contracts, develop grower relationships, and coordinate with sales and operations to ensure quality, compliance and timely delivery. This is an on-site permanent position in Philadelphia.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fresh produce buying experience.
• Experience with FOB and delivered purchasing.
• Experience in produce distribution or fresh food environments.
• Category management or senior buying experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of produce regions, seasonality, and pricing.
• Knowledge of PACA, USDA, FDA, FSMA and traceability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sourcing, pricing, supplier relationships, inventory and category performance.
• Source and purchase produce on FOB and delivered bases.
• Develop grower, shipper, importer and vendor relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, programs, and promotions.
• Monitor crop conditions, regions, seasonality, supply and market pricing.
• Forecast demand and maintain inventory levels.
• Balance product availability, freshness, fill rates and shrink.
• Analyze SKU/category performance for growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with sales, operations, warehouse and quality teams.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, traceability and labeling requirements.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Excel proficiency

Inventory management systems

Category management

Produce knowledge

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

Produce inventory software

Job description

Produce Purchasing Manager

$100000 - $130000 per year | Philadelphia, PA | On-site | Permanent

Produce Category Manager | Fresh Produce Buying | Grower & Shipper Relationships

A bit about us:

Jobot is working with an established and growing organization in the fresh food distribution industry that is looking to add an experienced Produce Category Manager to its team. This is a great opportunity for someone who knows the produce market, has strong grower and shipper relationships, and has experience with FOB and delivered produce buying.

Why join us?

• Competitive base salary of $100-130K
• Established and growing organization
• High-impact role with ownership over assigned produce categories
• Opportunity to work directly with growers, shippers, suppliers, and internal leadership
• Strong opportunity for professional growth
• Fast-paced environment where your market knowledge and relationships can make an immediate impact

Job Details

We are looking for an experienced Produce Category Manager to oversee sourcing, pricing, supplier relationships, inventory, and overall category performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned produce categories, including sales, gross margin, inventory, and shrink
• Source and purchase fresh produce on both an FOB and delivered basis
• Develop strong relationships with growers, shippers, importers, and produce vendors
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, seasonal programs, and promotional opportunities
• Monitor crop conditions, weather, growing regions, seasonality, supply, and market pricing
• Forecast demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels
• Balance product availability, freshness, fill rates, and shrink
• Analyze SKU and category performance to identify growth opportunities
• Manage assortment and introduce new produce items based on customer and market demand
• Partner with sales, operations, warehouse, and quality teams
• Communicate market conditions, pricing changes, availability, and quality updates
• Help ensure incoming product meets established quality specifications
• Support USDA inspections, product rejections, and PACA claims when needed
• Maintain compliance with food safety, traceability, and labeling requirements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fresh produce buying experience
• Strong experience with FOB and delivered produce purchasing
• Experience within produce distribution, wholesale, retail, or a similar fresh food environment
• Category management, senior buying, merchandising, or commodity management experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of produce commodities, growing regions, seasonality, and market pricing
• Experience managing sales, margin, inventory, and shrink
• Established grower, shipper, importer, or vendor relationships preferred
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Knowledge of PACA, USDA, FDA, FSMA, GAP/GMP, and traceability requirements
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• ERP or produce inventory management system experience is a plus
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent relevant industry experience

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.