Produce - Assistant

Job Description

Position Overview:

As the Produce Assistant
, you will support the Produce Procurement team by assisting with purchasing activities, maintaining accurate inventory and product information, coordinating vendor communications, and ensuring timely product availability. This role plays a critical part in supporting daily buying operations while maintaining exceptional customer service, product quality, inventory accuracy, and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Assist Produce Buyers with daily purchasing activities to maintain appropriate inventory levels and product availability.
• Create and maintain purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of quantities, pricing, delivery schedules, and vendor information.
• Communicate with vendors regarding product availability, shortages, substitutions, pricing changes, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in identifying replenishment needs to minimize out-of-stocks and excess inventory.
• Support the management of product quality by communicating with warehouse operations regarding inspections, product concerns, code dates, and product rotation.
• Review invoices and purchase documentation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate item files, product specifications, pricing, promotions, and vendor information within purchasing systems.
• Coordinate with Transportation, Warehouse Operations, Sales, and Category Management to ensure timely receipt and distribution of produce.
• Assist in preparing reports related to purchasing trends, inventory performance, vendor performance, and product movement.
• Monitor market conditions and provide buyers with information regarding pricing trends, seasonal availability, and commodity fluctuations.
• Support new item setup and promotional buying activities.
• Maintain organized purchasing records and documentation.
• Build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by leadership.
• Warehouse Office – approx. 65F – 70F
• Warehouse Perishable – approx. 26F – 60F

Schedule:

• Monday – Friday
• 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings and holidays

Compensation:

• $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Experience:

• Preferred:
  Three (3) – five (5) years retail or wholesale produce experience or related experience
• Preferred:
  Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, AS 400, WMS etc.
• Preferred:
  Proficiency in English (written and verbal) to effectively communicate with associates and leadership

Skills:

• Physical abilities
  :
  Ability to stand, walk and sit throughout your day;
  Walking on a variety of flooring such as carpet, concrete, tile etc.
• Strong communication Skills
  :
  Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with peers and leaders on a daily basis
• Organizational Skills
  :
  Ability to fulfill executive directions in a timely manner; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Working in a team based environment
  :
  Working independently and as a team player
• Quality
  :
  Maintain integrity and high standards from all perspectives
• Safety Culture
  :
  Maintain and drive safety policies; driving for accountability of safe practices throughout shift