Produce Purchasing Manager

Produce Category Manager | Fresh Produce Buying | Grower & Shipper Relationships | Procurement

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Ever Serrano
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Salary: $100,000 - $130,000 per year

A bit about us:

Jobot is working with an established and growing organization in the fresh food distribution industry that is looking to add an experienced Produce Category Manager to its team. This is a great opportunity for someone who knows the produce market, has strong grower and shipper relationships, and has experience with FOB and delivered produce buying.

Why join us?

Competitive base salary of $100-130K
Established and growing organization
High-impact role with ownership over assigned produce categories
Opportunity to work directly with growers, shippers, suppliers, and internal leadership
Strong opportunity for professional growth
Fast-paced environment where your market knowledge and relationships can make an immediate impact

Job Details

We are looking for an experienced Produce Category Manager to oversee sourcing, pricing, supplier relationships, inventory, and overall category performance.

Responsibilities:

Manage assigned produce categories, including sales, gross margin, inventory, and shrink
Source and purchase fresh produce on both an FOB and delivered basis
Develop strong relationships with growers, shippers, importers, and produce vendors
Negotiate pricing, contracts, seasonal programs, and promotional opportunities
Monitor crop conditions, weather, growing regions, seasonality, supply, and market pricing
Forecast demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels
Balance product availability, freshness, fill rates, and shrink
Analyze SKU and category performance to identify growth opportunities
Manage assortment and introduce new produce items based on customer and market demand
Partner with sales, operations, warehouse, and quality teams
Communicate market conditions, pricing changes, availability, and quality updates
Help ensure incoming product meets established quality specifications
Support USDA inspections, product rejections, and PACA claims when needed
Maintain compliance with food safety, traceability, and labeling requirements

Qualifications:

5+ years of fresh produce buying experience
Strong experience with FOB and delivered produce purchasing
Experience within produce distribution, wholesale, retail, or a similar fresh food environment
Category management, senior buying, merchandising, or commodity management experience preferred
Strong knowledge of produce commodities, growing regions, seasonality, and market pricing
Experience managing sales, margin, inventory, and shrink
Established grower, shipper, importer, or vendor relationships preferred
Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
Knowledge of PACA, USDA, FDA, FSMA, GAP/GMP, and traceability requirements
Strong analytical and decision-making skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
ERP or produce inventory management system experience is a plus
Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent relevant industry experience

Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Quick Apply" button.

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