Based in Los Alamitos, CA, Frieda’s, Inc. (www.friedas.com) is the nation’s leading marketer and distributor of specialty produce. Supplying grocery retailers and foodservice distributors with more than 600 varieties of unique fruits, vegetables and gourmet items, Frieda’s, Inc. is also the first wholesale produce company in the United States to be founded, owned, and operated by a woman. Frieda’s is a second generation, family owned business and is passionate about “changing the way America eats fruits and vegetables”. Frieda’s prides itself in maintaining a collaborative work environment across all levels of the company. Please apply for this position if you share our passion.
We are looking for an experienced Produce Buyer who will work on our Supply Team and be responsible for the buying, coordinating and purchasing of product(s) while meeting the company quality standards.
Please note the start time for this position is 4:00 am Monday through Friday (hours may vary). Please do not apply if you are not available to work this shift.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Bilingual in Spanish is preferred, but not required.
- Must have excellent attention to detail, strong analytical aptitude and administrative abilities.
- Must have ability to properly prioritize workload, work under high volume conditions and have ability to take direction from multiple sources.
- Must have personal integrity, be able to adapt to a flexible work schedule (hours as early as 2:00 AM plus Saturdays) and be dependable.
- Must have a valid California Driver's License and proof of automobile insurance.
- Responsible for the management of perishable inventory purchased by daily review of item usage, sales, inventory adjustments and the creation of purchase orders (PO’s) to replenish inventory.
- Purchases products at the most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements and other established factors, and does all required follow up until product is successfully received.
- Works in collaboration with Grower Relations Manager on new products and sales opportunities, and provides recommendations regarding new products handled and/or items to be discontinued; communicates findings to sales team.
- Responsible for spot-checking the quality of incoming product.
- Develops and maintains good, positive working relationships with suppliers, brokers, agents, sales contacts and/or importers.
- Coordinates with sales in the area of entering and receiving of drop (FOB) shipments.
- Works with warehouse and suppliers on delivery problems, back orders and product returns.
- Collaborates with other Supply Team members on various supplier transactions, including new supplier and new product set up and transfers.
- Works with accounting on PO discrepancies.
- Assists with completing new item forms, sales templates for seasonal opportunities and special projects; updates and maintains department logs and literature, as needed.
- Responsible for updates and necessary follow-through on price changes and allowances.
- Follows company ethics guidelines and the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA), regarding business practices as it applies to the buying function. Completes and understands the online PACA training class.
- Works with Category Manager on any additional projects or tasks as needed.
- All other duties as assigned and/or required.
- Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree from an accredited college is required with a minimum of 3-5 years buying experience in the produce industry. Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university preferred.
- Must have FOB buying experience; specialty produce purchasing experience a plus.
- Must be proficient with MS Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Knowledge of FoodDistribute software a plus.
