Produce Buyer - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

Produce Buyer

Job Description: 

SUPERVALU started in the supply chain and wholesale distribution business and in subsequent years we’ve grown to include traditional and hard discount grocery retail formats. We are currently looking for a Produce Buyer in Mechanicsville, VA.

The Produce Buyer will maintain responsibility for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for multiple commodities.  This individual will work closely with Corporate Merchandising, Banner Merchants, and Region Personnel to achieve the goals of the category business plan, based on agreed upon strategies, grower/supplier relationships and contracts. The Produce Buyer will buy in accordance with all policies and procedures established by the company and build relationships with growers to drive innovation, identify spot buys and communicate effectively with the various business stakeholders across the company.

Position Reports to: 
Sourcing Manager
Responsibilities & Duties: 
  • Manages customer and grower relationship.
  • Prospects and vets new potential suppliers.
  • Determines “Best Options” for customers.
  • Negotiates and secures ad lids, revisits quotes until loading day.
  • Reviews acquisition costs to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent   with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need. 
  • Conducts logistics planning processes while ordering products to attain the best net product price possible.
  • Uses total demand to leverage costs & efficiencies.
  • Processes purchase orders, claims and rejections.
  • Originates PO Placement based on cumulative data.
  • Builds loads and books carriers as required for product pick-up and delivery to the dc.
  • Approves Accounts Payable variance processes for distribution sourced items to ensure correct prices have been invoiced.
  • Coordinates with Warehouse Operations to maintain the proper product flow into and through the facility, in a timely manner.
  • Provides on-going intelligence to aid in business decision making and planning: weather conditions, supply availability, preferred growers, procurement and cost opportunities etc.
  • Conducts proactive search of spot buys and produce market opportunities.
  • Shares merchandising best practices and provides recommendations to the business unit(s).
  • Conducts post-promotional reviews and analysis to determine if promotional requirements were met and if there were problem areas, develops solutions.
  • Assists and supports produce merchant’s needs across business including banners and independent business.
  • Supports corporate merchandising with execution of contracts and agreements
  • Provides category strategy support thru market intelligence, grower/supplier relationship and experience.
  • Is familiar with and inspects product in slots available for sale.
  • Visits stores, as needed, to monitor programs, obtain store feedback and to assess overall implementation effectiveness as needed.
  • Collaborates with Field Buyers and Quality Control.
  • Maintains all necessary department files and records.
  • Performs daily duties with highest ethical business standards and practices.

Physical Environment

  • Most work is performed in a temperature controlled environment.
  • Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
  • Incumbent may use computers, keyboards, calculators, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
  • Position requires some travel, including occasional weekend travel.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws.  The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

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