Senior Buyer/Purchaser (Floral)

• Department: Purchasing
• Reports To: Director of Wholesale Operations
• Location: Los Angeles, California (90014)
• FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried
• Schedule: Hours vary, typically work 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday. With occasional weekends and holidays as business needs require.
• Pay Rate: $68,700 - $75,000/year DOE

Company Overview

Mellano & Company is a renowned and leading name in the floral industry, committed to delivering exceptional floral products and services for over a century. We take pride in our family-owned legacy, strong values, and commitment to quality. As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Floral Wholesale Warehouse Sales Manager to join our team and contribute to our continued growth and success.

Position Overview

You will be instrumental in maintaining our reputation for quality and reliability in the competitive floral industry. Your strategic sourcing decisions directly impact our customers' success and our company's profitability, making this a high-visibility role with growth potential.

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Drive wholesale procurement strategy across multiple global regions, managing vendor relationships from farm to customer
• Partner cross-functionally with Wholesale and Business Development teams to identify new market opportunities and expand product offerings
• Deliver exceptional customer service by providing rapid, accurate responses to product availability and pricing inquiries

Demand Planning & Analytics

• Develop sophisticated forecasts using market data analysis to predict product demand and optimize inventory levels
• Create comprehensive annual forecasts with weekly breakdowns, quantity projections, and pricing models
• Monitor and analyze inventory flow to minimize shrinkage and maximize profitability of both purchased and company-grown products

Commercial Excellence

• Negotiate favorable terms with vendors to optimize pricing, delivery schedules, and payment conditions while maintaining quality standards
• Maintain detailed cost analysis to ensure accurate gross margin calculations and support pricing decisions
• Manage end-to-end purchase order processes with attention to accuracy and timeliness

Relationship Management & Market Development

• Build and maintain strong vendor partnerships through professional, collaborative communication
• Represent the company at industry trade shows and networking events
• Support product line development by identifying market trends and customer preferences
• Coordinate seasonal planning programs to align procurement with market cycles

Essential Qualifications

• 3-5 years procurement experience in purchasing, order management, or supply chain operations
• Proven track record in cost containment and achieving sales/profit targets
• Advanced proficiency with inventory management and forecasting systems
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to secure favorable commercial terms
• Excellent communication abilities for both internal collaboration and external vendor management

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Excel expertise including advanced functions for data analysis
• ERP/inventory management systems experience preferred
• Basic computer proficiency across standard business applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Fresh floral or perishable products industry experience - understanding of seasonal cycles, quality factors, and logistics challenges
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) to support diverse vendor relationships
• Associate degree or certification in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field
• Trade show and customer-facing experience in B2B environments

Physical Demands:

• Office-based work with occasional warehouse/facility visits
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
• Comfort working in varying temperatures (cooler/warehouse environments)
• Capability to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces during facility inspections
• Extended periods of sitting/standing during busy seasons

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,700.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person