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Produce Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Performance Food Group

Produce Buyer

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$60K/yr

We Deliver the Goods: * Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much ...

Piggly Wiggly

Senior Produce Buyer

Bessemer, AL · On-site

The produce buyer is responsible for the profitable procurement and timely delivery of products for assigned items. This individual is responsible for cost negotiations, forecasting, product ...

MDI

Buyer - Produce

Hickory, NC · On-site

Own end-to-end buying responsibility for assigned produce categories, including sourcing strategy, vendor selection, pricing, and procurement execution. * Deliver gross profit, inventory investment ...

Merchants Distributors, LLC

Buyer - Produce

Hickory, NC · On-site

Own end-to-end buying responsibility for assigned produce categories, including sourcing strategy, vendor selection, pricing, and procurement execution. * Deliver gross profit, inventory investment ...

Lowes Foods

Buyer - Produce

Hickory, NC · On-site

Own endtoend buying responsibility for assigned produce categories, including sourcing strategy, vendor selection, pricing, and procurement execution. * Deliver gross profit, inventory investment ...

MDI

Buyer - Produce

Hickory, NC

Own endtoend buying responsibility for assigned produce categories, including sourcing strategy, vendor selection, pricing, and procurement execution. * Deliver gross profit, inventory investment ...

Lassen s Natural Foods

Produce Manager

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

Works with Lassen's Regional Produce Buyer and Store Manager to determine additions to or deletions of inventory, based in part by information obtained through careful and frequent evaluation of ...

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How much do produce buyer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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.

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Produce Buyer jobs near you
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 Assistant Buyer/Receiver (substitute position)

Produce Assistant Buyer/Receiver (substitute position)

Hunger Mountain Co-op

Montpelier, VT

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description

Produce Assistant Buyer & Receiver 

Substitute Position


 Varied Hours - "All avail nights, days, weekends" 


Purpose: Support the Produce Buyer in meeting department goals by assisting with buying and receiving.

Status: Reports to Produce Manager


Pay Level 3


Responsibilities:

General:

Follow all department policies and procedures in order for Hunger Mountain Co-op to adhere to all applicable regulations.

Be responsible for safety in the workplace by creating a safe work environment, reporting safety concerns to a manager, and adhering to all safety rules and regulations.

Be a team player.

Attend all required meetings, training, seminars and workshops.


Buying:

Fill in and assist buyer and place day-to-day orders with established suppliers within guidelines set by Produce Manager.

Inventory back stock to determine ordering needs and for periodic financial reporting.

Communicate daily with Produce buyer regarding market choices and opportunities.

Enter new products in the Point of Sale (POS) system, as needed.

Assist in updating, organizing, and maintaining sales data in department spreadsheet.

Assist in making and maintaining price signs and making price changes in POS system in consultation or at the direction of the Produce Buyer and/or Manager.

Regularly double check floor pricing to assure consistency with the POS.

Notify Produce buyer of inconsistencies in pricing and reports.

Obtain credit from suppliers, as needed.


Receiving:

Receive deliveries following established procedures, checking for quality and accuracy, while maintaining proper product rotation.

Follow appropriate procedures for handling invoices.

Maintain a clean and safe work environment, including mopping floors and cleaning cooler shelves.


Merchandising:

Assist with displays following guidelines of Produce Manager. Replenish and rotate displays as needed; assure accuracy of signage; label items with PLU stickers and/or signs; correct pricing discrepancies and report to Produce Manager.

Inform floor staff of new products when they arrive and facilitate the stocking and labelling of any new items.

Assist floor staff with replenishing and maintaining displays, culling several times daily, and following stocking priorities set by Produce Manager.

Assist customers with produce and special orders; offer samples and suggestions for purchases and preparations in friendly, courteous manner.

Trim, wash, and prepare produce as needed. Pull damaged or spoiled items and dispose with appropriate notification to Produce Manager.

Assist with general produce maintenance as needed. Remove trash, clean cases and mirrors, and keep prep and storage areas in clean, orderly condition.

Use equipment safely. Monitor cooler and walk-in temperatures and follow procedures for handling breakdowns. Advise Produce Manager of equipment repair and replacement needs.


Miscellaneous:

Provide produce information and education to Co-op staff members and customers.

Participate in periodic inventory.

Attend department and storewide meetings.

Perform other tasks assigned by Produce Manager.

Requirements

The responsibilities as listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.


Qualifications:

Prior retail produce experience required; experience with produce purchasing, merchandising, quality control, organic standards and especially ordering and working with multiple local organic farms is preferred.

Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments under tight time pressures.

Highly organized, detail-oriented with a strong numerical aptitude.

Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks.

Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Office including use of Excel.

Experience working in a fast-paced environment involving frequently lifting 50 lbs., standing for long periods, and working in a cold environment.

Manual dexterity with equipment used in moving, unpacking and preparing produce for display.

Ability to follow all Safety policies and procedures of Hunger Mountain Co-op.

Ability to provide excellent service to customers, vendors and co-workers and abide by Hunger Mountain Co-op's Service Policies.

Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork and constant communication are essential.


Desired:

Ability to have some scheduling flexibility with when business needs require it.

Ability to follow attendance and punctuality policies of Hunger Mountain Co-op.

Ability to be physically present onsite at the Co-op to perform the requirements of this position.



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