If you are looking to join a dynamic and growing team, Islands West Produce has the right job for you! With a long history in Victoria, we pride ourselves on providing excellent client service and being passionate about our Islands West product offerings.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Retail Sales & Buyer is responsible for balancing a strong focus on retail sales with purchasing and procurement responsibilities. This role builds and maintains strong relationships with both customers and suppliers while supporting sales growth and ensuring effective product sourcing and inventory management.

The position is responsible for driving retail sales activities, understanding customer needs, identifying opportunities for growth, and providing excellent customer service, while also assisting with the planning, sourcing, and purchasing of products to maintain optimal inventory levels, product quality, and competitive pricing.

Working closely with the Sales, Procurement, and Operations teams, the Retail Sales & Buyer supports overall business growth while helping maintain high product quality and service standards.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Sales & Customer Service

• Support daily retail sales by responding to customer needs and ensuring product availability.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with new and existing customers.
• Communicate pricing, product availability, and market updates clearly and accurately.
• Support sales initiatives and promotions to help drive volume and move inventory.
• Work closely with the Sales team to provide timely and reliable service.

Buying & Supplier Management

• Purchase products to support sales demand while maintaining competitive pricing.
• Work with suppliers to ensure steady supply, good quality, and timely delivery.
• Monitor market conditions, pricing trends, and seasonal changes to support buying decisions.
• Assist with supplier communication and help resolve quality, pricing, or delivery issues.

Inventory & Operations

• Help manage inventory to avoid shortages, overstock, and unnecessary waste.
• Support purchase planning based on demand, seasonality, and sales activity.
• Check product quality to ensure standards are met upon receiving and throughout storage.
• Assist with inventory counts and report discrepancies or concerns.
• Follow company policies, food safety standards, and safe work practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2 years produce/food industry experience
• Minimum 2 years purchasing experience
• High attention to detail and the ability to track the inflow and outflow of product
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Open-minded, flexible, and able to adapt and succeed in a multi-cultural work environment
• Must be willing to accept responsibility and authority
• Basic HACCP knowledge

Competencies:

• Purchasing & Buying Expertise
• Sales & Market Awareness
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Planning, Prioritization & Decision-Making
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Operational Efficiency & Continuous Improvement
• Customer Service Orientation
• Relationship Building & Team Collaboration
• Digital & Systems Proficiency

OUR COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Base salary
• Extended healthcare benefits eligibility
• Company cell phone
• Development opportunities

Thank you for your interest in Islands West! We look forward to hearing from you!