Company description

For nearly 50 years, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op has been committed to our values of sustainable business practice, growing the local foods movement and supporting our community. We're proud to have contributed over $202,500 in donations to local food shelves, nonprofits, and discounts for low-income shoppers. With 33% of our sales coming from local Vermont products, that's nearly $8 million for over 400 local producers, we are deeply invested in our local economy.

Job description

Do organic beets make your heart beat? Do you think it's rad to source locally-grown radishes? Then keep reading because you might be the perfect fit for us!

Our growing Produce department features a vast and always changing array of fresh produce, a large majority of which is locally-sourced or organically grown, and all of it is offered at a competitive price. We are seeking a Produce Buyer to join a team known for its excellent customer service skills and enthusiastic knowledge about fruits, veggies, and more.

 What You'll Do:

• create and maintain well stocked inventory through strategic ordering
• negotiate fair prices with vendors to reach our sales goals
• build effective and mutually beneficial vendor relationships
• create vibrant merchandise displays
• track product movement
• take initiative to identify and resolve problems to support a
• positive and professional work environment
• receive and stock product with frequent lifting of 50 lbs
   

What We're Looking For:

Our ideal candidate:

• Has proven experience in purchasing, negotiating, and margin management.
• Is proficient in Excel and confident in analyzing data to drive decisions.
• Possesses knowledge of natural foods, retail grocery, and Co-ops (or a strong desire to learn!).
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment while staying organized and detail-oriented.
• Is passionate about customer service and providing an exceptional shopping experience.
• Product knowledge: Understanding ripeness, seasonality and shelf life.
• Visual and creative skills: Design and implement vibrant, eye-catching merchandise displays.
   

Why Work With Us?

• At our Co-op, we offer:
• Competitive pay and a supportive, inclusive company culture.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including group health insurance, optional vision and dental coverage, 20% store discount, profit-sharing bonuses, 3+ weeks PTO, and more.
• Opportunities to learn something new every day in a growing, community-focused workplace.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week role. If you're ready to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to a team that values community and quality, we'd love to hear from you!

$1,000 hiring bonus available. $500 pays out after 90 days of employment. $500 pays out after 1 year of employment. 

Learn more about our organization at middlebury.coop 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $20.00 - $25.00

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline