Produce Buyer II

About the role

Organically Grown Company (OGC), the Northwest’s largest independent distributor of fresh, organic produce, is hiring a Buyer II in Oregon. OGC operates 24-7, and the Purchasing department plays a key role in working with farms to provide top-tier produce to customers. If you have a strong produce background and a passion for produce, we want to meet you.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular contact with suppliers to obtain information about available product lines and programs.
• Coordinate supply through contracts or other agreements to secure product needs.
• Visit farms and/or attend conferences to create and build relationships with growers and other vendors.
• Maintain regular contact with suppliers to obtain information about current product availability, quality, pricing, and promotion opportunities.
• Review sales volume and on-hand and inbound product levels; determine overall needs and best available sources.
• Place purchase orders, monitor order fulfillment and arrival status; communicate arrival issues to vendors in a clear and timely manner.
• Communicate with inbound logistics teams and/or outside carriers to ensure timely and efficient pick-up and delivery of product purchases.
• Lead or significantly contribute to the general inventory management of assigned commodities; address specific receiving and inventory issues on a daily basis.
• Settle purchase orders with a high level of detail to ensure accuracy of open price settlements, vendor credits, and/or other charges.
• Inform vendors about OGC organic certification and food safety requirements; support vendors with meeting the requirements.
• Provide sales team with timely updates on product availability, quality, price, and order status.
• Engage with individual Sales Account Representatives to coordinate product purchasing for ads and promotions.

Requirements

• Must be based in Oregon or Washington.
• 5+ years of experience in the organic produce trade or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in vendor or customer relations.
• Experience with fresh produce varieties, organic trade, growing practices, sustainability movement, and produce merchandising.
• Experience working with produce at farm, distribution, or retail levels.
• Ability to build long-lasting and meaningful relationships with all OGC stakeholder groups.
• Intermediate to advanced PPro skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; proven ability to learn additional software programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proven ability to work effectively with individuals across an organization.
• Demonstrated success at managing details while undertaking multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Analytical skills and ability to work with large data sets.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods of time, hear and converse over the telephone and in person, and work on a computer.
• Ability to accurately receive and disseminate information to maintain and enhance relationships.
• Ability to travel and occasional overnight travel.
• Standing, stooping, and bending required.
• Ability to meet the above description of position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits for you and your family after 30 days of employment.
• Competitive Wellness Program.
• Generous Paid Time Off program.
• 401(k) retirement program with a 5% company match, capped at $3,500 annually.
• Annual profit share — 20% of profits distributed back to employees.
• Free and discounted organic produce.
• $200 annual fitness reimbursement.

Pay

$75,000 - $90,000

Schedule

Monday-Friday, with occasional on-call weeks.