KATZMAN DISTRIBUTION is a startup full service Produce distribution company servicing the independent supermarket customer base in the NY/NJ/CT/PA/DEL markets. The company prioritizes customer service and retail merchandising guidance as two of the primary pillars for growth and customer satisfaction.
As is customary with a startup, we encourage an all-hands-on deck work ethic and offer unlimited growth potential to each member of the team that builds our business.
We are seeking a Produce Buyer to join our team in Burlington, New Jersey.
The KDB Produce Buyer will have a pivotal role in supporting the sales and merchandising team in driving sales and maximizing product profitability and market leading assortment. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic team player who is a self-starter, results driven and excels in negotiating and sourcing of fresh produce items.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the KDB merchandising strategies to meet customers’ expectations for sales and our company’s goals and objectives
- Be the company expert in matters related to raw product quality, ideal sourcing areas, seasonal market trends and the science of perishable inventory management.
- Maintains and updates our quality standards by crop to ensure specs are clear and communicated to vendors.
- Maintain inventory levels that meet sales needs and ensure profitability.
- Analyze sales figures, customer feedback and market trends to anticipate product needs.
- Work with sales team to ensure they are delivering products and programs that build customer sales and relationships.
- Achieve established sales and performance goals on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
- Tracks and reports products ordered vs fulfillment by crop, quality credits by grower and other similar reports.
- Ensure that the quality of all products we source meets or exceeds our customers’ expectations.
- Is consistently looking for ways to reduce logistics costs and optimize trucking, consolidations while getting products to our facility.
- Coordinates all intercompany sourcing and ensures quality delivered is based on our standards.
REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:
- Excellent communication skills, including speaking, writing and listening
- Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
- Customer-oriented mindset and commitment to quality.
- Excellent organizational skills, and an attention to detail
- Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Exceptional ability to analyze data and draw relevant conclusions
- Ability to adapt and make decisions quickly and efficiently
- Familiarity with USDA and FDA regulations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Teams, Excel and Word
TIME/LOCATION:
- This is a full-time on-site position, averaging 40 hours a week, with varying days and work hours, based on need and seasonality of the business.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years’ experience in FOB and Delivered Produce buying
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.
