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
