Produce Procurement - Assistant

Position Overview:

As the Produce Procurement Assistant, you will support the Produce Procurement team by assisting with purchasing activities, maintaining accurate inventory and product information, coordinating vendor communications, and ensuring timely product availability. This role plays a critical part in supporting daily buying operations while maintaining exceptional customer service, product quality, inventory accuracy, and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Assist Produce Buyers with daily purchasing activities to maintain appropriate inventory levels and product availability.
• Create and maintain purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of quantities, pricing, delivery schedules, and vendor information.
• Communicate with vendors regarding product availability, shortages, substitutions, pricing changes, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in identifying replenishment needs to minimize out-of-stocks and excess inventory.
• Support the management of product quality by communicating with warehouse operations regarding inspections, product concerns, code dates, and product rotation.
• Review invoices and purchase documentation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate item files, product specifications, pricing, promotions, and vendor information within purchasing systems.
• Coordinate with Transportation, Warehouse Operations, Sales, and Category Management to ensure timely receipt and distribution of produce.
• Assist in preparing reports related to purchasing trends, inventory performance, vendor performance, and product movement.
• Monitor market conditions and provide buyers with information regarding pricing trends, seasonal availability, and commodity fluctuations.
• Support new item setup and promotional buying activities.
• Maintain organized purchasing records and documentation.
• Build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by leadership.

Environment:

• Warehouse Office - approx. 65F - 70F
• Warehouse Perishable - approx. 26F - 60F

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday
• 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings and holidays

Experience:

• Preferred: Three (3) - five (5) years retail or wholesale produce experience or related experience
• Preferred: Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, AS 400, WMS etc.
• Preferred: Proficiency in English (written and verbal) to effectively communicate with associates and leadership

Skills:

• Physical abilities: Ability to stand, walk and sit throughout your day; Walking on a variety of flooring such as carpet, concrete, tile etc.
• Strong communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders on a daily basis
• Organizational Skills: Ability to fulfill executive directions in a timely manner; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Working in a team based environment: Working independently and as a team player
• Quality: Maintain integrity and high standards from all perspectives
• Safety Culture: Maintain and drive safety policies; driving for accountability of safe practices throughout shift