JOB FILLED - Buyer

This position is responsible for purchase of predetermined products from Mexico (80% of volume from products grown in Mexico), Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, and Costa Rica and from USA vendors at the best available prices consistent with quality standards in the company.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Negotiates contracts with vendors for supplies for each specific season, Travels and identifies the proper title of the farms, verifies that the land is free and clear, that grower is capable of supplying product.
• Negotiates the terms of the contract and presents the complete negotiation to management.
• Controls and coordinates purchase of products based upon predetermined requirements established on a periodic basis by general managers of operating divisions
• Maintains vendor relations by dealing with suppliers, vendors, to obtain best possible market prices and negotiates prices when product arrival is not US #1.
• Determines safety stock requirements jointly with general managers to avoid product overstock, obsolescence and stock out cost
• Work with sales team in developing and providing prices for Ads.
• Visits operating divisions or vendors on a periodic basis to determine local market conditions
• Works with warehouse to verify inventory and to determine what inventory should be moved first.
• Assists in the formulation of purchasing policy and insures compliance accordingly
• Coordinates with purchasing personnel and transportation
• Maintains up-to-date of market conditions, USDA Market prices and other events that might affect pricing.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Competency Statement(s)

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Autonomy - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Ethical Ability to demonstrate conducts conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a tas

• Basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills- English and Spanish
• 5-10 years of wholesale produce procurement experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the USDA grading and conditioning requirements, correct storage temperatures and specially produce characteristics, with regard to quality and seasonal growing trends.
• Computer literate Produce Pro Software experience a plus.
• Great communication skills.
• Ability to lift to 60 pounds safely.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Be familiar with PACA Rules.
• Must have established FOB Relationships.