LA Grocery Buyer - Produce Careers

A well-established and reputable Foodservice Distributor is seeking a Grocery Buyer to join their team. Working knowledge of the Specialty Market is desirable. This position will manage assigned grocery categories which includes maintaining adequate stock and quality levels; maintain vendor compliance with regards to product specifications, food safety, service level and cost. The ideal candidate must be analytical, able to work under high amounts of pressure, and enjoy finding the best strategy to efficiently manage their portion of the supply chain. Knowledge of Market Trends and maintain a good working relationship with Vendors is also needed. Must be able to recommend alternative vendors for the products that provide better pricing and flexibility. Be able to spot trends in the marketplace and stay on top seasonal merchandise.

Responsibilities: 

• Purchase assigned products competitively to specification.
• Maintain daily work list at designated location.
• Working knowledge of the products and applications and be able to offer suggestions for substitutions if product is not available.
• Able to define the product and it’s applications to sales
• Short Coded Inventory turns to prevent product going out of code
• Interact and communicate with the procurement, sales and operations team on product status to achieve continuous and open flow of information.
• Meet or exceed goals given by the Procurement Director.
• Strive to improve inventory turns, should strive to have a 5 week turn of Inventory reduce out of stock, control dumps and maintain inventory.
• Strong negotiating skills
• Negotiating Freight rates so there is a minimum impact on the cost of goods
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Good communication skills
• Knowledge of seasonal uptakes in movement and slow seasons as well
• Make confident decisions under pressure
• Manage Inventory and identify slow sellers and notify sales to move the inventory
• Work well with buying team as well as sales team
• Dependable, prompt, on time

Qualifications:

• Previous successful experience as a Food Service Grocery/Buyer.
• Produce Pro Movement reports
• Adapts easily to new computer systems
• This opportunity is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Compensation:

Target salary range is $80,000 - $110,000 DOE.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k

Please contact Rich, rich@producecareers.com