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Produce Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

Produce Specialist

Syracuse, NY

$80K - $120K/yr

Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics. Responsibilities: * Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve ...

Sysco

Produce Specialist

Warners, NY

$80K - $120K/yr

Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics. Responsibilities: * Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve ...

Sysco Corporation

Produce Specialist

Warners, NY · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics. Responsibilities: * Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve ...

Sysco

Produce Specialist

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics. Responsibilities: * Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve ...

Sysco

Produce Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics. Responsibilities: * Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve ...

Sysco Corporation

Produce Specialist

College Park, GA · On-site

Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics. Responsibilities: * Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve ...

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Produce Specialist information

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$11

$24

$47

How much do produce specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce specialist in the United States is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a produce specialist?

Produce Specialists are professionals who manage, source, and maintain the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables in grocery stores, supermarkets, or distribution centers. They are responsible for ensuring that produce displays are visually appealing, products are fresh, and inventory is rotated regularly. Produce Specialists may also assist customers with product selection and provide information about seasonal items. Their role is crucial in minimizing waste and maximizing sales by maintaining high standards for produce quality.

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

To thrive as a Produce Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of fruits and vegetables, inventory management, and food safety procedures, often supported by experience in grocery or retail environments. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, produce handling equipment, and safety certifications such as ServSafe is often required. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills help you excel in this role. These abilities ensure high-quality, fresh produce displays, satisfied customers, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by a produce specialist and how can they be managed?

Produce Specialists often encounter challenges related to maintaining the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables, especially during peak seasons or when shipments are delayed. They must also manage inventory efficiently to minimize waste and ensure attractive displays that meet food safety standards. Effective communication with suppliers and teamwork with store staff are key to addressing these issues. Staying organized and keeping up-to-date with seasonal trends can help Produce Specialists anticipate and overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Produce Specialist vs Produce Clerk?

AspectProduce SpecialistProduce Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; knowledge of produceHigh school diploma; basic produce knowledge
Work EnvironmentSupermarkets, specialty stores, farmers marketsSupermarkets, grocery stores
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in retail grocery and specialty produce storesCommon in grocery retail
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Produce Specialist and a Produce Clerk lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Produce Specialist typically has more in-depth knowledge of produce, including sourcing, quality control, and customer education, often requiring additional training. A Produce Clerk primarily handles stocking, organizing, and assisting customers with produce. Both roles are common in grocery retail, but the Produce Specialist often has a more specialized focus on produce quality and expertise.

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Produce Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Produce Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,450 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Produce Specialist

Sysco

Syracuse, NY

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Sysco rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 324 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Position Summary:

This is a professional sales position responsible for growing new business within the fresh produce category, with the expectation of achieving assigned business goals while enhancing the customer experience. This will be accomplished through maintaining industry and category specific certification status and direct selling of the category to customers. Specialists will prioritize time, targets, and team selling efforts based on market insights and data analytics.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute targeted produce sales strategies to achieve region and individual annual business goals, delivering profitable sales growth and penetration across the fresh produce category, specialty segments, and Sysco brand
  • Identify the needs of customers and prospects to assemble a product mix that delivers solutions and helps achieve business objectives
  • Utilize data analytics to prioritize produce opportunities
  • Actively seek, qualify, and support top prospect conversion to Sysco
  • Be informed of market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales; share information with customers as part of value-added services provided
  • Track activities and results, collaborate on opportunities, and champion the team selling process through use of Salesforce (Sysco’s CRM tool)
  • Leverage sampling in a solutions-oriented manner to close sales
  • Provide feedback to specialty companies and merchandising on product quality, product integrity, product mix, customer satisfaction, perceived value and competition
  • Develop and maintain relationships with customers, chefs and sales team members
  • Support execution of prioritized sales strategies through direct selling and engagement of customers and prospects at Sysco events (e.g. food shows, industry events)

​ 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

  • Minimum: High School Diploma or GED and 3+ years of sales experience within a retail, broker, wholesale or distribution environment (deep technical expertise of produce categories)
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent educational level

Knowledge & Skills:

  • Proficiency in produce knowledge and trends required
    • (Internal Certification & External Certification may be required)
  • Analytical problem-solving skills, including familiarity with analyzing reports and deriving insights from data
  • Ability to express information in terms of profit and loss, food cost and expense ratio
  • Strong financial acumen and ability to properly plan and execute business plans
  • Flexible; readily accepts change; open to new ideas
  • Track record of success in the area of consultative selling, networking and negotiations
  • Proficient communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with and influence a variety of key stakeholders
  • Experience building trust with prospective customers and securing new business
  • Strong business and restaurant operations acumen to manage sophisticated customers
  • Ability to learn the use of proprietary CRM tools for planning and forecasting sales growth
  • Proficient in Microsoft Applications Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to structure a weekly schedule to be successful
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver against deadlines and produce high-quality results (accuracy, thoroughness in the deliverables they are producing)
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple initiatives at the same time
  • Understanding of marketing principles, product lines, ordering procedures and Sysco’s credit terms

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