From its headquarters in Salinas, Markon Cooperative, Inc. provides fresh produce purchasing, logistics, information and marketing services exclusively to its five member distributors (Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Company, and Shamrock Foods Company) and their foodservice customers. A leader in food safety, quality control and innovation, Markon is also mindful of the produce industry's impact on people – from field workers to consumers. At Markon, we put people first, and we offer a culture that values team work, loyalty, and a commitment to excellence.
Join our company and let’s redefine fresh, together!
We are seeking an experienced, passionate Produce Buyer (Product Manager) to play a critical leadership role in the Purchasing Department. The ideal candidate will exercise high level commodity expertise, negotiation and problem-solving ability within an assigned commodity team. This position continually strives to meet the needs and expectations of customers, and to provide them with a competitive edge. Product Managers mentor and train Purchasing Coordinators by identifying daily opportunities to improve proficiencies and knowledge. May be designated as a Pod Leader* which entails guiding a commodity team’s goals and results.
Responsibilities & Duties:
Product Management
- Acts as a source of knowledge within a designated team; gathers market information and understands and communicates market conditions and variables
- Creates timely, accurate price sheets
- Creates competitive bids that work for Member-Distributors
- Processes order bookings, order changes and adjustments
- Tracks Member product volume and addresses shortfalls
- Works effectively with Customer Support staff to ensure timely and accurate information and problem resolution
Negotiation
- Acts as a resource for designated categories; determines market pricing levels and uses that information to offer value
- Exhibits appropriate skills to negotiate prices, products, delivered sales, etc.
- Builds strong procurement relationships through excellent service and category expertise
- Chases availability and price deals; seeks out new products and grows designated categories through deals and promotions
What We’re Looking For:
- 3-5 years of experience in product management, negotiating or related roles
- Self-Starter
- Strong Work Ethic
- Shows a Sense of Pride in His/her Work
- Strong Experience of the fresh produce industry
- Excellent phone and computer skills (Smart Sheet, Excell, Word, Outlook)
- Strong verbal and written communication
Location: Salinas, CA
Salary: $75,000-$110,000
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.
