Mission Produce

Mission Produce is the global leader in the worldwide avocado business, with additional offerings in mangos. Since 1983, we have invested in people, state-of-the-art technology, and avocado-specific and ripening infrastructure to expertly serve our customers, growers, and partners in over 27 countries. We own and operate four packing facilities in multiple global locations including California, Mexico, and Peru. Our global distribution network includes 16 forward distribution centers in North America, China, Europe and the Netherlands, which promote company expansion into new territories and categories. Throughout our history, we have remained rooted in honesty, respect, and loyalty to provide a year-round supply of high-quality fruit from field to fork.

JOB SUMMARY

The Produce Buyer will primarily be responsible for procuring pre-packed mangos and avocados from external suppliers. This individual will gather weekly demand forecasts from the sourcing or inventory teams and actively secure the necessary supply to meet these orders. This individual will negotiate pricing, check quality, and adhere to the current payment process while building and maintaining relationships across the nation to build the needed programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate and cultivate business relationships to optimize return on investment.
• Develop demand forecasts at multiple levels of aggregation for different time horizons as part of a demand planning function.
• Review historical salmodels and research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.
• Reconcile significant variances and refine forecast models to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions by leading cross-functional research.
• Identify improvements/capabilities required to provide market data effectively.
• Work collaboratively with partners from other functional areas to deliver business objectives.
• Manage the demand and forecast process with Sales to ensure that we have adequate cut fruit volume.
• Build packer and broker relationships to secure fruit.
• Travel to the country/state of origin to meet with partner suppliers.
• Manage the AR and AP of their customers.
• Ensure compliance with all shipments.
• Communicate quality throughout the network along with suppliers.
• Network throughout the industry to secure the correct product.
• When inventory levels are high, sell excess products to current business partners.
• Complete all the necessary paperwork when buying products.
• Perform other duties as required.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

·      Analytical:  Ability to collect and interpret data. Ability to research and problem-solve independently.

·      Problem Solving:  Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, gather and analyze information skillfully, work well in group-solving situations, and use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

·      Technical Skills:  Assess own strengths and weaknesses, pursue training and development opportunities, strive to continuously build knowledge and skills, and share expertise with others.

·      Interpersonal Skills:  Focus on solving conflict, not blaming, maintain confidentiality, listen to others without interrupting, remain open to other’s ideas and try new things.

·      Teamwork:  Balance team and individual responsibilities, exhibit objectivity and openness to other’s views, and be able to build moral and group commitments to goals and objectives.

·      Motivation:  Measure self against standard of excellence.

·      Quality:  Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness. Attention to detail.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a degree in materials management, economics, math, or related business discipline.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) required.
• Demonstrated ability to generate and understand reports.
• Minimum of three to five years of professional experience with at least one year in functional purchasing, preferably in a fresh produce environment.
• Demonstrated strong team, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use of AS400 or similar ERP System for business analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse work group.

Pay range: 130,000 - 199,000

 <cite style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9.0pt; color: red;">This job opening is not eligible for immigration/work visa sponsorship.</cite>

MISSION PRODUCE EMPLOYEE PRIVACY POLICY

This Privacy Policy sets out how Mission Produce, Inc. (the “Company”) uses and protects any information that employees may give the Company in the context of their employment, job application, or other similar working relationship with the Company. This Privacy Policy also applies to the information the Company collects about employees’ emergency contacts or individuals whom the Company administers benefits relating to their employment with the Company.

You can view the Privacy Policy by clicking on the link below.

Mission Produce Employee Privacy Policy

Mission Produce Employee Privacy Policy (Spanish)