Buyer

GreenLeaf is proud to have been part of the sustainability food chain since our inception in 1975. Founded by Jameson Patton, who delivered local and organic produce to San Francisco communes and restaurants from a 1966 Dodge Windo van, GreenLeaf has grown alongside the organic movement. Jameson and his partner, Steve Walton, were instrumental in forming and advancing CCOF, California Certified Organic Farmers. Today, GreenLeaf serves over 2,000 discerning customers, supporting hundreds of farms and suppliers committed to organic and regenerative farming, ethical ingredient sourcing, worker well-being, and growing local communities.

About the role

Coordinates inventory replenishment activities with suppliers, sales, logistics, and operations for assigned categories.

Responsibilities

• Place purchase orders with vendors, accounting for seasonal fluctuations, market effects, and other factors to avoid spoilage, overstocks, and shortages.
• Manage and maintain the entire Purchase-to-Pay process, including:
  • PO creation
  • Vendor confirmation
  • Accurate expected delivery date updates
  • Collaboration with Accounts Payable to ensure payment
• Maintain Purchasing system data to effectively generate suggested POs.
• Maintain required vendor documents (electronic and physical), such as W-9s and indemnities.
• Work closely with:
  • Vendors to ensure POs are filled and delivered on time and to manage FDA issues
  • Logistics to minimize freight expenses
  • Sales Managers to manage out-of-stock or over-stock risks
  • Customer Service teams to enable sales order growth
  • Buyers to build upon best practices
• Build and maintain vendor relationships to support PO fulfillment, negotiate volume discounts, and secure price breaks.
• Manage Fusion system issues that impact Purchasing and Receiving.
• Maintain BFC dating system to minimize close-dated issues and expired product impact.

Requirements

• 5+ years of buying experience, with a focus on Produce preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.
• Previous food service distribution and/or food importing experience strongly preferred.
• Commodity product awareness, including blanket commitments, contractual processes, and market tracking.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with additional computer tools (JDE, Microsoft Suite – Word and PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment with a strong sense of urgency.
• Flexibility to collaborate effectively with all departments and staff levels, both internally and externally.
• Professional demeanor in all interactions with vendors, customers, and employees, whether via phone or in-person.
• Drive to advance within the organization.
• Team player with a positive attitude.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and strong analytical capabilities in Excel.
• Self-starter with a professional, goal-oriented approach and the ability to handle multiple tasks.

Benefits

• Paid vacations and holidays
• Health, dental, and medical benefits
• Weekly pay
• Life insurance
• 5% above cost for high-quality food products
• Employee discounts for travel and events
• 401k plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Pay

Salary range: $70,000 – $90,000 USD