Job Description:
Albert’s Organics, America’s largest, most knowledgeable organic, fresh foods distributor and subsidiary of United Natural Foods, is seeking a national Produce Commodity Buyer III for our Santa Cruz, CA office.
The Commodity Buyer III is responsible for continuously identifying and determining optimum sources for procuring high quality fresh produce as assigned seasonally, gathering market information, monitoring business trends, making purchasing decisions, managing DC service levels and order fulfillment, and making recommendations for process improvements.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Procure and plan for highest quality of fresh produce commodities- considering price and market conditions.
- Work with suppliers to educate them on Albert’s Organics’ supplier performance expectations. Hold suppliers accountable for meeting or exceeding expectations.
- Collaborate with the National Produce Purchasing Manager and the Produce Category Manager in the creation of supplier scorecards. Participate in supplier business reviews
- Responsible for the development of supplier participation in the Produce Promotions Program.
- Actively work with suppliers to minimize seasonal gaps.
- Gather market information and distribute to buyers, sales managers and receivers throughout the company.
- Monitor business trends, including suppliers’ prices, quality, delivery and service performance; make recommendations for process improvement.
- Accumulate, analyze, prepare and present necessary reports concerning cost trends, price changes and inventory levels.
- Communicate favorable purchasing opportunities to maximize sales & gross profit dollars and minimize cost of goods sold.
- Support established logistical procedures to facilitate efficient product arrival.
- Seek opportunity spot buys. Work with APD Commodity Buyers to develop their skills in selling spot buys to DCs.
- Maintain purchasing system to ensure data integrity and accuracy, including vendor payment terms and tax information.
- Ensure awareness of Albert’s Organics’ marketing strategies and competitive advantages.
- Manage arrival issues on specific commodities and achieve resolution between receivers and shippers.
- Assist in training and mentoring new team members.
- Responsible for following policy and procedures outlined in the Albert’s recall plan.
- Perform all duties and responsibilities in a highly ethical manner and in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned by management.
Skills:
- Proven negotiating and problem-solving skills while maintaining high integrity and business ethics.
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills with ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and under pressure.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines while accomplishing team objectives.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; must demonstrate accuracy with figures.
- Able to resolve issues appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
- Able to develop and maintain effective, positive internal/external working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; a team player.
- Able to provide training and guidance to junior members of the buyer team.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook; competent to learn and adapt to new computer applications, system upgrades and other technology as necessary.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills; able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
- Ability to work closely with management to resolve problems and issues.
Competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you are a results-oriented team player seeking an exciting opportunity with a growing organization, please apply.
We are proud of our rich diversity and to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualifications:
- Qualified candidates will have a BA/BS degree in related discipline or equivalent training & experience.
- 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, replenishment and forecasting with produce.
- Experience in organic produce highly desired.
- Must have comprehensive knowledge of fresh produce products, including seasonality and geography of fresh produce supply.
- Knowledgeable of PACA regulations pertaining to good arrival and inspection parameters.
- Experienced in product specification and quality parameters.
- Able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as necessary.
- Strong negotiating and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organized with strong multi-tasking skills; able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment & under pressure, meet deadlines & accomplish team objectives. Strong customer-orientation.
- Must have valid driver’s license.
