Produce Buyer

Job Description

The buyer is responsible for purchasing food products and non-food products from approved growers/local growers/shippers/brokers, retail stores, and wholesale supply companies.

• Procure products based on company and customer sales forecasts and projections.
• Purchase products in accordance with company standards (USDA) and customer specifications.
• Coordinate with customer service and dispatch to ensure timely delivery of special‑order products.
• Ensure accurate landed costs for products and align with customer pricing.
• Arrange transportation for products purchased Free on Board (FOB).
• Resolve shipping issues, such as mispicks, shortages, and quality concerns, in collaboration with shippers.
• Manage contract terms and commitments, including quantity and price agreements.
• Address and resolve issues that arise during the loading process to ensure smooth operations.
• Generate and distribute receiving documentation (e.g., purchase orders, receiving manifests) to the receiving team to ensure proper unloading procedures.
• Conduct physical and electronic inventory counts for procurement of products.

• 2+ years of experience in wholesale produce and product procurement.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to make purchasing decisions based on company standards (USDA) and customer specifications.
• Proficient in projecting inventory levels based on customer buying trends, academic schedules, special events, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Familiarity with group contracting processes.
• In-depth knowledge of company distribution software.
• Extensive expertise in produce products, with a comprehensive understanding of industry standards.
• Ability to negotiate and manage vendor costs effectively.
• Strong geographic understanding to plan and schedule appropriate freight hauls.
• Knowledgeable about industry trends, such as shifts in agricultural regions and seasonal field movements.
• Proficient in Free on Board (FOB) and delivered purchasing methods.
• Understanding of relationship‑based buying principles.

• Compensation is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
• Weekly pay – Get paid every week!
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Pay On‑Demand Service
• Company‑Paid Life Insurance
• Ability to purchase our wide array of products at cost as an employee
• Short and Long‑Term Disability
• Hospitalization Coverage
• Additional Life Coverage
• Cancer Coverage
• Legal Coverage
• Plus many more voluntary benefits

We are Ole Tyme Produce, a regional produce wholesaler located in St. Charles, MO. From comprehensive health benefits and 401(k) contributions, to paid time off and more, we care about our employees and want to support their well‑being in every way we can. We also believe in acknowledging team members for their outstanding work, demonstrating our core values, and the strengths they bring to the team through regular employee‑nominated recognition and rewards.

Ole Tyme Produce is an equal opportunity employer.