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Produce Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Produce Buyer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Description The Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring fresh fruits and vegetables for retail or wholesale operations. This role involves building relationships with suppliers ...

Job Type Full-time Description The Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring fresh fruits and vegetables for retail or wholesale operations. This role involves building relationships ...

Produce Buyer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring fresh fruits and vegetables for retail or wholesale operations. This role involves building relationships with suppliers, negotiating ...

... Produce Buyer to add to our team. JOB SUMMARY: As a member of our Buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring conventional and organic products for our Retail, Wholesale ...

PRODUCE BUYER

Spokane, WA · On-site

$30/hr

... Produce Buyer to add to our team. JOB SUMMARY: As a member of our Buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring conventional and organic products for our Retail, Wholesale ...

Produce Buyer

Kent, WA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

As a member of our Buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring ... Familiarity and experience with a wide range of produce items, including local and organic product

Produce Buyer

Portland, OR · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

As a member of our Buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring ... Familiarity and experience with a wide range of produce items, including local and organic product

As a member of our Buying team, this position is responsible for identifying and procuring ... Familiarity and experience with a wide range of produce items, including local and organic product

Produce Buyer About Bandwagon Established in 1988, Bandwagon is a highly respected wholesale produce provider. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality fresh specialty produce in all categories ...

Produce Buyer About Bandwagon Established in 1988, Bandwagon is a highly respected wholesale produce provider. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality fresh specialty produce in all categories ...

Buyer Jetro Restaurant Depot Buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned lines. Works closely with the Sr. Director of Purchasing and Senior ...

Produce Buyer About Bandwagon Established in 1988, Bandwagon is a highly respected wholesale produce provider. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality fresh specialty produce in all categories ...

Buyer Jetro Restaurant Depot Buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned lines. Works closely with the Sr. Director of Purchasing and Senior ...

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Produce Buyer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$50K - $85K/yr

High School Diploma or Equivalent * 3+ years produce purchasing experience or related area within distribution/wholesale industry (Foodservice a plus) * Ability to multi task and learn software ...

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Produce Buyer information

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$14

$26

$43

How much do produce buyer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce buyer in the United States is $26.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Produce Buyers?

Produce Buyers are professionals responsible for sourcing and purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables for retailers, wholesalers, or food service companies. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate prices, and ensure that products meet quality standards and arrive on schedule. Produce Buyers must stay informed about market trends, seasonal availability, and food safety regulations to make cost-effective and timely purchasing decisions. Their role is vital in maintaining a steady supply of fresh produce to meet consumer demand.

What are some common challenges Produce Buyers face when balancing quality standards with budget constraints?

Produce Buyers often face the challenge of sourcing high-quality fruits and vegetables while adhering to strict budget guidelines. Seasonal fluctuations, unpredictable weather, and supply chain disruptions can impact pricing and availability, making it essential to negotiate effectively with suppliers and stay informed about market trends. Collaboration with quality control teams and regular communication with vendors are key to maintaining standards without exceeding budget. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build reliable supplier relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Produce Buyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Produce Buyer, you need strong knowledge of produce quality standards, market trends, and supply chain logistics, often supported by a background in agriculture, food science, or business. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like HACCP is typically required. Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and analytical skills help you secure the best deals and ensure efficient supplier partnerships. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, reducing costs, and meeting consumer demand in a competitive market.

What Does a Produce Buyer Do?

A produce buyer works in a grocery store or chain to manage the inventory of fruits and vegetables. In this career, your job duties involve sourcing produce and negotiating a wholesale price that fits with your employer’s budget. You may create contacts with wholesalers or directly with growers. Your responsibilities include performing inspections to verify the quality of the products that you plan to purchase. Most produce buyers continuously search for suppliers who can offer quality products and low prices. You must also have skills in and knowledge of supply chain, shelf-life, and current commodity market trends.

What is the difference between Produce Buyer vs Produce Clerk?

AspectProduce BuyerProduce Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma; experience in procurement or food industryHigh school diploma or equivalent; retail/customer service experience
Work EnvironmentWholesale markets, grocery chains, food service companiesGrocery stores, supermarkets, retail settings
ResponsibilitiesSource and purchase produce, negotiate with suppliers, manage inventoryAssist customers, stock produce, maintain display and freshness

The main difference between a Produce Buyer and a Produce Clerk is that the Produce Buyer focuses on sourcing and purchasing produce from suppliers, while the Produce Clerk handles customer service and stocking in retail stores. The Produce Buyer typically works behind the scenes in procurement roles, whereas the Produce Clerk interacts directly with shoppers. Both roles require knowledge of produce quality, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Produce Buyer jobs? Cities with the most Produce Buyer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Produce Buyer jobs? The most popular types of Produce Buyer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Produce Buyer jobs? The top employers for Produce Buyer jobs are:
What states have the most Produce Buyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Produce Buyer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Produce Buyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Produce Buyer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Produce Buyer jobs? For Produce Buyer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Produce Buyer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,442 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Produce Buyer

$70K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

The Produce Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring fresh fruits and vegetables for retail or wholesale operations. This role involves building relationships with suppliers, negotiating prices, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality produce. The Produce Buyer must stay informed about market trends, seasonal availability, and customer preference to make informed purchasing decisions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Negotiate contracts and prices with suppliers
  • Monitor market trends and seasonal availability
  • Review and analyze quality and pricing of products
  • Manage inventory levels to prevent overstock or shortages
  • Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams for timely delivery
  • Develop and maintain relationships with growers and suppliers
  • Forecast demand based on historical data and market trends
  • Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations
  • Collaborate with sales team to understand customer preferences
  • Evaluate new suppliers and products
  • Prepare and manage procurement budgets
  • Coordinate promotional activities for produce items
  • Resolve any issues related to product quality or delivery
  • Stay updated with industry developments and innovations 

We are a family-owned business in food distribution that strives to fill our customers' needs while maintaining excellent relationships with all shippers, associates, and customers.  We are a company that originated over 90 years ago. We distribute fresh fruits and vegetables over a 500-mile radius including, but not limited to Baltimore/Washington, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. During that time, our company has built an excellent reputation for quality, service and dependability. 

Aside from a favorable salary, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

  • Medical, Prescription, Vision, Dental insurance
  • Company paid Disability, Life Insurance and Identity Theft Protection
  • FMLA, Traditional and Roth 401K, Matching and Profit Sharing (when eligible), FSA and HSA options
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
  • And much more!

Requirements

Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business or related field. Minimum of 3-5 years in produce buying or similar role. 


Training, Skills, Licenses: Strong negotiation and communication skills. Knowledge of market trends and seasonal produce. Proficiency in inventory management software. Familiarity with food safety standards and regulations. Strong network of industry contacts. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.


Working Conditions: This position is located in an office environment with moderate to low noise levels and is typically sedentary. Daily use of a computer and phone system is necessary as well as interaction with staff, customers and vendors.


The above statements reflect general details considered necessary to decide the essential functions of the job identified and is not a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job. Not all functions listed may be performed and other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.


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