Job Description

Description:

F&S Produce Company, Inc. is centrally located in Southern New Jersey enabling access to an estimated 100 million consumers. Our two facilities consist of over 650,000 square feet of refrigerated and ambient production space and process over 150 million pounds of produce annually for our retail, food service, and industrial customers across the United States.

For the past 40 years, we have been perfecting our production and safety processes to become the finest-quality provider of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, fresh foods, and frozen commodities in the Eastern United States. As a leader and innovator within the industry, we have delivered these principles to everything from restaurants and convenience store chains to supermarket prepared food operations, and numerous other high-volume food industries. F&S Produce Company has cultivated a tradition of success through dedication and innovation.

Grow Your Career as a Produce Buyer: Join our Team and Harvest Success!

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Produce Buyer. As a Produce Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, procuring and managing the consistent supply of high-quality produce for our manufacturing operations. Additionally, this role will involve significant coordination cross functionally, requiring excellent organizational and communication skills. Your expertise in the produce industry and strong negotiation skills will be instrumental in ensuring a consistent supply of fresh ingredients.

• Identify and source a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from reliable suppliers, considering factors such as quality, availability, pricing, and sustainability.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a network of suppliers, including farmers, growers, and distributors, to ensure the availability of high-quality produce.
• Monitor market trends, industry conditions, and crop cycles to anticipate changes in supply and demand and make strategic purchasing decisions accordingly.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms of agreements with suppliers, aiming for the best value without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, and logistics, to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and assist in forecasting produce requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activities, including purchase orders, invoices, and supplier information.
• Monitor and analyze supplier performance, including on-time deliveries, product quality, and pricing, and take appropriate actions to maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Stay up-to-date with industry regulations, certifications, and food safety standards related to fruits and vegetables, ensuring compliance in all procurement activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor\'s degree in business administration, supply chain management, agriculture, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a buyer, specifically focused on fruits and vegetables, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of the produce industry, including varieties, seasons, pricing, quality standards, and supplier networks.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze market trends, data, and pricing information to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Strong administrative skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and certifications related to fruits and vegetables.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and software for procurement and data analysis is a plus.

F&S CULTURE: As we continue to grow and provide leading edge products to our customers, we understand hiring the right people and treating them well is critical to our success. Everything we do starts with our values. These are the beliefs that we share and that strengthen our team. Our values shape our thoughts and actions every day. At F&S its Always FRESH and Always FUN!

Find the most positive path.

Respond swiftly, accurately, and nimbly.

Earn trust by sharing, helping, and keeping promises.

Serve up safety.

Have each other\'s backs.

F&S OFFERS:

• We are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits program focused on your total well-being.
• Competitive compensation package
• A robust health and welfare benefits package that includes Life, Health, Dental, Vision
• The opportunity to plan for the future with a strong 401(K) including company match!
• Time to recharge with Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance to help you achieve your goals and continue your career growth.We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for career growth within our organization.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

F&S Fresh Foods is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

PI222819685

F & S Produce Company Inc