National Produce Buyer (Windsor Lks, CT)

National Produce Buyer (This position is in Windsor Locks, CT) Windsor
Locks, CT ID: R-258976 Job Family: Procurement Job Type: Casual The
National Buyer is responsible for ensuring that all produce and products
within assigned categories are procured and distributed throughout the
C&S distribution centers (DCs) in order to maintain agreed upon
service levels by customers while adhering to budgeted inventory levels.
The National Buyer ensures that quality produce and products are
supplied at competitive prices and look to increase the number of cases
sold within the assigned categories. This role is responsible for
effectively managing all aspects of product flow and have visibility to
each part of the supply chain while adhering to Perishable Agricultural
Commodities Act (PACA). Job Description Manage negotiations with growers
and shippers to obtain best possible cost, highest quality product, and
submit all contract buys to management for major commodities. Resolve
pricing issues between vendors and C&S. Supervise vendor incentive
programs to achieve planned levels of customer performance. Prepare and
provide management with period end reports of category management
implementations against agreed upon benchmarks. Provide period reports
for each Distribution Centers actual cases against agreed upon levels
of participation. Leverage commodity expertise in assigned categories to
streamline processes, gain efficiencies in the buying process on a
global basis and train less experienced team members to develop working
knowledge of products. Make recommendations on what vendor partnerships
are most viable based on industry trends and changes. Monitor items for
advertising and negotiate ad lids for commodities within assigned
categories. Provide directions to produce turn buyers. Develop and
maintain assigned categories with item introductions and deletions based
on market trends, category expertise and relationships with
vendors/growers to ensure accurate inventory and mitigate risks.
Communicate with distribution turn buyers to share forecasted items to
buy, and partner closely with distribution center directors and all
applicable stakeholders to ensure all retail goals and customers
expectations are met. Lead, mentor, develop and ensure team members
achieve goals. Act as a lead for conflict resolution for supplier
issues. Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to
ensuring that all assigned commodity purchases adhere to customer
specifications Travel Required:Yes Environment Office : Office
Temperature (65F to 75F) Skills Specialized Knowledge : Knowledge of
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) regulations; Ability to
maintain expertise in industry trends Special Skills : Strong product
knowledge and deep understanding of distribution logistics and
transportation; Knowledge of produce growing areas, seasonality & market
prices; Proficient with Microsoft Office suite. Physical abilities: :
Other: : Strong communication, relationship building and negotiation
skills Years Of Experience 5-7 : A minimum of 5 years of produce buying
experience. Wholesale department management and/or retail produce
experience strongly preferred. Qualifications Bachelors Degree –
Business Administration/Management Shift 1st Shift (United States of
America)