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Senior Cattle Buyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cattle Buyer information

See salary details

$34.5K

$68.4K

$102.5K

How much do senior cattle buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cattle buyer in the United States is $68,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior cattle buyer?

Senior Cattle Buyers are experienced professionals responsible for purchasing cattle for meat processing companies, feedlots, or other buyers. They assess livestock quality, negotiate prices with sellers, and ensure the cattle meet specific standards for weight, health, and breed. Senior Cattle Buyers often travel to auctions, ranches, and farms, using their expertise to make informed purchasing decisions that align with company requirements and market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior cattle buyer?

To thrive as a Senior Cattle Buyer, you need a deep understanding of livestock grading, market trends, and animal health, often built on years of experience in the cattle industry or an agriculture-related degree. Familiarity with livestock management software, auction platforms, and transportation logistics systems is typically required. Strong negotiation skills, relationship-building abilities, and sound decision-making set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential for sourcing high-quality cattle at the best prices while maintaining productive partnerships and ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

What are some common challenges faced by senior cattle buyers when negotiating livestock purchases?

Senior Cattle Buyers often encounter challenges such as fluctuating market prices, ensuring livestock quality meets company standards, and managing relationships with ranchers and suppliers. Negotiating favorable terms requires strong communication and an in-depth understanding of both market trends and animal health. Balancing cost-effectiveness with ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance is essential, and seasoned buyers often collaborate closely with quality assurance teams and logistics to ensure smooth procurement processes.

What is the difference between Senior Cattle Buyer vs Cattle Procurement Specialist?

AspectSenior Cattle BuyerCattle Procurement Specialist
CredentialsExperience in livestock trading, industry certificationsSimilar credentials, often with procurement or supply chain certifications
Work EnvironmentLivestock markets, farms, corporate officesFarms, supply chain offices, procurement departments
Employer & IndustryLivestock farms, meat processing companies, agricultural firmsFood production companies, agricultural suppliers, livestock traders

The Senior Cattle Buyer and Cattle Procurement Specialist roles both involve sourcing and purchasing cattle, often requiring similar industry knowledge and certifications. The main difference lies in the seniority level and scope of responsibilities, with Senior Cattle Buyers typically overseeing larger transactions and strategic decisions, while Cattle Procurement Specialists focus on day-to-day procurement activities within the supply chain.

More about Senior Cattle Buyer jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Cattle Buyer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Cattle Buyer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cattle Buyer jobs?

The most popular types of Cattle Buyer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Cattle Buyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Cattle Buyer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Cattle Buyer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Cattle Buyer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Senior Cattle Buyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,384 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Global Indirect Site Buyer (Caldwell, ID)

Simplot

Caldwell, ID • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
Summary
The Global Indirect Site Buyer will deliver on all aspects of the purchase transaction including proper vendor selection, sourcing accurate and prompt transaction processing as well as problem resolution for select procurement activities. Buyer will also resolve transactional vendor quality complaints and measures key supplier performance metrics around pricing, delivery and quality.
This role reports on-site at our Caldwell, ID plant location.
Key Responsibilities
• Responsible for all proper vendor selection, sourcing, accurate and prompt transaction processing as well as problem resolution.
• Responsible for all aspects of the purchase transaction including conversion of requisitions to PO, expediting of critical purchases, managing approved vendor lists and ensuring pricing accuracy.
• Resolves transactional vendor quality complaints.
• Invoice reconciliation
• Works with A/P and master data management teams to ensure vendor data is up to date and accurate.
• Provides training and support for suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding use of ERP systems and procurement work flows to expedite purchasing of goods and services.
Typical Education
Associate's degree (A.A. or equivalent)
Relevant Experience
1+ years related experience and/or training
Other Information
  • Knowledge of Purchasing, Planning, Inventory &/or warehousing
  • Greats written & communication skills
  • Customer Service Background
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Job Requisition ID: 26739
Travel Required: None
Location(s): GF Idaho Plant - Caldwell
Country: United States
**The Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
If the Simplot Company decides to offer you this position, such offer will be conditioned on your satisfactory completion of a post-offer criminal background check. For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance Act Guide and RCW 49.94.010 for more information.**

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About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

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