Job Description:
Baldor Specialty Foods is the leading produce distributor in the northeast. Our company imports fruits and vegetables from all over the world and distributes these products to local markets! Baldor is a young vibrant company that's expanding its services into new areas. Currently, our customer base expands from Boston to Washington DC and all points in between. We are currently seeking candidates to fill the role of Produce Buyer for our headquarters location in the Bronx.
Responsibilities & Duties:
The Produce Buyer will be involved in the following functions:
- Responsible for purchasing assigned category products.
- Forecasting purchase needs and managing process for order fulfillment.
- Sourcing items internationally and/or locally depending on the seasonality of the product.
- Creating purchase orders and negotiating price bids with vendors.
- Engaging in inventory planning with buyers.
- Coordinating logistics for all inbound shipments arriving by air, trucks, boats, and trains to track product.
- Managing assigned category inventory for replenishment.
- Assisting Accounts Payable in relation to purchase order and payment issues.
- Maintaining appropriate product quality and safety under USDA standards.
- Communicating with vendors to resolve any arising problems concerning product costs, quantity/quality and/or delivery times.
- Communicating with Sales department to gauge inventory needs.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in a Produce environment. High School Diploma/GED. College degree preferred but not required.
- Procurement experience with fresh, specialty produce (vegetables, fruits, etc.).
- Strong commodities knowledge (including organic), vegetable, fruit, herbs, and specialty produce lines.
- Ability to establish a good rapport with vendors.
- Strong negotiating skills.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Market knowledge, ability to recognize trends.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer literate, including Excel & Word.
