Produce Buyer

Produce Buyer Vitco Foods Ontario, CA Job Details Full-time From $90,000 a year 3 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Qualifications Vendor relationship building Sourcing Interpersonal skills Supplier management Inventory management Organizational skills

Full Job Description Position:

Produce Buyer-- PLEASE

READ JOB REQUIREMENTS BEFORE APPLYING. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN PRODUCE BUYING NO AGENCIES NO RELOCATION LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY

Job Summary:

• The Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing fresh produce inventory to support daily operations and customer demand
• The Buyer works closely with Vendor Partners and Category Managers to make sure we have right product at the right price for our customers.
• This role requires strong produce market knowledge, vendor negotiation skills, and the ability to make quick purchasing decisions in a dynamic environment.
• The ideal candidate must have prior produce buying experience and be available to work on-site at our Southern California office in Ontario.

Key Responsibilities:

• Purchase fresh produce products based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and customer demand
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, shippers, wholesalers, and vendors
• Negotiate pricing, availability, quality standards, and freight terms
• Monitor market conditions, commodity trends, weather impacts, and potential supply chain disruptions
• Provide communication on supply issues to leadership and sales team.
• Ensure product quality and freshness standards are consistently met
• Work closely with warehouse, sales, and operations teams to manage inventory flow and minimize shrink
• Analyze inventory reports, sales trends, and purchasing data to maximize profitability
• Resolve vendor discrepancies, quality claims, and product shortages in a timely manner
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement and inventory management
• Manages all aspects of special orders and necessary communication.
• Works closely with Category Manager to help build margin.
• Responsible for continued item and vendor maintenance in system (as needed).
• Participates in departmental meetings and training sessions.
• Additional duties may arise, as needed, to support the business.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Ability to be resourceful and live in "gray" area.
• Experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced distribution environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong knowledge of produce commodities, seasonality, grades, and market pricing.
• Communicate on the phone and in person through strong verbal skills with customers, vendors, and sales staff.
• Customer service oriented - committed to achieving customer's expectations.
• Work within time frames and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think ahead and creatively for solutions.
• Effectively present information and respond concisely to questions from Management, Operations, and others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, Share Point, and PowerPoint).

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years of produce buying experience, preferably in foodservice distribution or wholesale produce Must be able to work on-site at our Southern California office in

Ontario Pay:

From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Experience:

Produce Buying:

4 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person