Lead Produce Buyer

1932 Specialty Produce & Meat is a growing division of Saval Foodservice, a local and family owned broadline food service distributor. As an independent company with experienced and accessible management, we’re able to make improvements, address issues, and update systems quickly and efficiently.

Our Troy Hill Warehouse location is conveniently located in Elkridge, Maryland 21075. Elkridge is a relatively short commute from Catonsville, Ferndale, Severn, Ellicot City, Brooklyn Park, Glen Burnie, Columbia, South Gate, Baltimore, Odenton, North Laurel, Lochearn, and Hillcrest Heights.

Position Overview:

As a 1932 Produce Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in our supply chain, responsible for procuring fresh produce from local farms and global suppliers. You will leverage your expertise in agricultural markets to ensure that our inventory meets our quality standards, pricing objectives, and delivery schedules. Your ability to build strong relationships with growers and negotiate favorable terms will be essential to our success.

Responsibilities:

· Source and purchase a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, growers, and suppliers.

· Work with our buying group, ProAct, to source produce from the West Coast.

· Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and weather patterns to anticipate supply fluctuations and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.

· Develop and maintain relationships with farmers and suppliers to secure reliable sources of high-quality produce.

· Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to optimize cost-effectiveness and maintain profitability.

· Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely delivery and efficient inventory management.

· Conduct regular quality inspections of incoming produce to ensure adherence to our standards and specifications.

· Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and support customer needs.

· Analyze sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for product expansion and improvement.

Qualifications:

· Proven experience as a Produce Buyer or in a similar procurement role within the food industry.

· In-depth knowledge of agricultural markets, produce varieties, and seasonality.

· Strong negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

· Experience with procurement software is a plus.

· Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and work in a fast-paced environment.

Schedule:

Full Time

Recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal as a winning Family Owned Business for 2022.

Learn more about us at savalfoods.com/careers

Saval Foods LLC is an equal opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person