Produce Buyer

About the role

Trader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with over 630 stores nationwide. We are looking for an experienced Produce Buyer who loves food — especially fruits and vegetables — and is a raving fan of the Trader Joe's concept. In this role, you will work with vendors and internal teams to maintain efficient product flow from vendors to warehouses to stores. The position requires excellent time management, outstanding problem‑solving, and strong analytical skills. This role may be based in either our Monrovia, CA, or Boston, MA, office, and the work week is Sunday through Thursday.

Responsibilities

• Creating, managing, and directing purchase orders every week to guarantee the timely arrival of produce to all warehouse locations.
• Managing and communicating out‑of‑stock positions or other product updates within the Produce category.
• Managing Just‑in‑Time and Cross‑Dock supply effectively at each warehouse.
• Working with Category Managers in planning and projecting the expected needs of our store locations and marketing.
• Maintaining weekly fill rates to ensure our stores receive the volumes they need to support their customers.
• Working collaboratively with other departments to resolve any shipment or cost discrepancies.
• Listening and taking feedback from our customers and crew members about the Produce category.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of produce buying experience: grocery stores, produce wholesalers, produce distributors, or growers.
• Strong negotiation skills and prior vendor management experience.
• Ability to use feedback to research issues, understand customer preferences, and stay ahead of concerns with Category Managers.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.