Buyer

Organically Grown Company, the Northwest's Premier distributor of organic produce, is seeking a Buyer to be based out of either our Eugene or Portland facilities. With warehouses in Portland and Eugene, Oregon, and Kent, Washington, OGC serves over 200 natural and fine foods stores and restaurants located throughout western Oregon and Washington, as well as retail and wholesale accounts in other western states and Canada. Check out our website to read about our commitment to organics and our sustainable business practices.

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for purchasing produce for sales to OGC accounts, for building and maintaining positive and profitable relationships with multiple product suppliers to meet OGC purchasing needs; and for providing leadership and knowledge for OGC buyers, brokers, sales and logistics staff; and actively working to solve problems expediently.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain regular contact with suppliers to obtain information about product availability, place orders, establish prices and resolve quality issues all in support of OGC's sales and merchandising goals.
• Provide sales staff with updates on product availability, product delivery, peak and finish, quality and price; Initiate weekly meetings to review availability and inventory maintenance issues; Maintain and distribute weekly ad sheet.
• Interact with Sales Account Representatives and customers to obtain information on product needs; work directly with customers as needed to place orders, track availability, and address quality issues.
• Maintain effective communication with all parties via phone and fax on an as-needed basis, including after business hours; Attend regular PIM Department meetings.
• Inform and educate vendors about OGC organic certification and food safety requirements; Ensure that vendors meet the requirements.
• Interact with trucking contractors to ensure timely and efficient pick-up and delivery of product purchases.
• Attend conferences and actively pursue opportunities to build relationships with growers, suppliers and sales agents.
• Maintain a practical knowledge of competitor products and services; Conduct research and analysis to develop supply sources.
• Advance the OGC sustainability initiatives through general education of growers and implementation of best practices in packaging, inbound freight, material handling, etc.
• Work as a member of OGC's Buying team, backing up other members of the team as needed to provide effective coverage.
• Uphold the OGC commitments to health, integrity, partnerships and sustainability.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Experience Qualifications:

• High school diploma, undergraduate degree plus 3 to 5 years of related experience, or an overall equivalent of education and experience.
• An experienced buyer in the perishable produce industry, with a proven successful track record of negotiating and buying.
• Solid knowledge of organic produce varieties, organic growing practices, suppliers and seasonable availability.
• Expert knowledge of purchasing and negotiation methods.
• Previous experience working for an organization with aspirational sustainability goals desired.
• Knowledge of, and interest in, agriculture and farming, preferably organics.

Competency Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated the following competencies:

• Sharp Business Acumen
• Customer Focus
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Effective Negotiator
• High Integrity and Trustworthy
• Solid Strategic Agility
• Leads with Vision and Purpose
• Action and Results Oriented
• Problem Solver
• Good Time Manager
• Excellent Communicator-Verbal and Written

Functional/Technical Skills to include MS Office suite software; Produce Pro desired; Solid keyboarding and overall computer skills definitely required

Compensation: Salary range Minimum $47K - Maximum $73K

To Apply: 

To apply for this position, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that includes your response to the questions listed below.

1. What experience do you have in buying organic produce or other perishables that qualifies you for this position with OGC?
2. What is the most challenging work you have performed in your employment history?
3. Why might you want to work for OGC?
4. What is your current/target compensation level?

Thank you for your interest. Organically Grown Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.