Jr Buyer

The Junior Buyer / Shortage Recovery Specialist supports the Procurement team by managing urgent shortage recovery, sourcing alternative product options, coordinating backup supply, and assisting with day-to-day purchasing needs. This role ensures high fill rates, protects key customer relationships, and strengthens supply-chain reliability across all OpCos. This position acts as the first responder for product shortages — identifying available substitutes, securing local inventory, and coordinating pickup or delivery to ensure product reaches Operations in time for next day fulfillment.

Accountabilities:

• Respond immediately to shortage notifications from Operations
• Contact vendors, wholesalers, and market suppliers to source replacement product
• Secure approved substitutions according to spec guidelines
• Build relationships with backup vendors and local markets
• Monitor pricing and availability fluctuations
• Communicate recovery status to Operations and Sales clearly and promptly
• Ensure Operations receives accurate information on incoming product
• Assist with PO creation and entry when needed
• Ensure product arrives before production and loadout timelines
• Track and document shortage events, including cost, vendor, quantity, and cause
• Maintain logs to identify trends and support preventative strategies
• Maintain proper documentation for traceability

Requirements:

• 1-2 years of purchasing experience \
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (required)
• Experience in produce buying, market sourcing, or foodservice purchasing (preferred)
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends, or flexible hours when necessary
• High attention to detail and understanding of produce quality standards
• Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs. during local pickups
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Physical Demands/ Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position works in an office environment with moderate to high noise levels.
• Individual sits for long periods of time while operating a keyboard and communicating via telephone.
• May involve standing/walking as needed primarily on a level surface throughout the day.
• May include lifting things up to 30 pounds, on occasion.

Benefits

• Medical Benefits
• Vision
• Dental
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Weekly
• 401K