Buyer (Fruit & Veg)

Job Description

For over 40 years we’ve remained 100% family-owned and operated, this means we are agile, innovative, and implement ideas rapidly. One of our values of being a Harris Farmer is to "have a crack", "choose your own adventure" and be entrepreneurial like our founder, David Harris. 

We’re 30 (and counting) stores across NSW and QLD, and home to almost 3,000 wonderful Harris Farmers all with a common purpose, to reconnect Aussies with the joy of food. Everything we do at Harris Farm Markets is driven by what we believe in and is underpinned by ensuring everything we do is for the Greater Goodness! 

We are actively seeking to increase diversity and so people with varied backgrounds, both personal and professional, are encouraged to apply. A degree qualification will be highly regarded though not essential. 

The Role   

We are looking for a recent graduate if you haven't gone to university but are eager to build a career and good are hungry get in touch. This is an entry-level role in a career in fresh buying with one of Australia's best fresh food retailers.

Fruit and vegetable buyers are at the heart of Harris Farm Market's core competencies. As a Buyer, you will work with and be coached by an experienced Senior Buyer to become an expert market trader and direct grower manager in fresh fruit and vegetables.  

Retail fresh food can be demanding and requires very diverse hours including very early mornings, some weekend and public holiday work, and sometimes urgent responses out of hours. The environment can be challenging and intense but extremely rewarding. We will take you on a journey to an industry-leading level of product knowledge and understanding over several years. This is a career choice, not a short-term option, and a career starting position in the most exciting fresh food retailer in Australia.  

Key Responsibilities 

You will learn how to become responsible for selecting new products, reviewing the performance of existing lines, building supplier networks, getting in tune with market demand, understanding store demand, and seasonality, and ultimately ensuring the right products are stocked at the right time, and for the right price in line with HFM strategy of delivering great quality product and value to our customers. 

 This role requires dedication and commitment higher than most jobs – and is remunerated as such. Below are additional responsibilities of this awesome role: 

• Identifying and sourcing sustainable suppliers whilst building strong business relationships. 
• Assist the buying team in maximizing sale opportunities for HFM. 
• Assisting in stock splits to stores based on demand forecasts and market opportunities. 
• Assist in setting weekly promotional plans, promotional ordering, ongoing competition checks, and range reviews. 
• Regular communication with stores, other buyers, and suppliers. 
• Working collaboratively with the warehouse to manage stock levels and distribution efficiency. 
• Accurate data entry and order lines. 

  Qualifications & Competencies required  

• Tertiary education preferred.
• Self-motivated, passionate about doing a great job. 
• Building and maintaining cooperative working relationships. 
• Excellent engagement and communication.  
• High levels of personal work motivation, initiative, and drive. 
• Willing to learn about the industry. 
• Able to learn new things quickly.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Attention to detail and playful.  

  Additional Information  

• 3  starts times most days  
• Weekend work involved 
• Peak times Christmas and Easter (no holidays until after the rush) 

 Why you should apply 

• Work for a growing retail business with huge scope to make a real impact.  
• Start your career today in a growing industry  
• A highly varied role engaging in the organization from Suppliers to shop floor.  
• 25% Harris Farm Markets Staff Discount.  

  Please keep reading... 

Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized groups tend to only apply when they check every box. So, if you think you could be a Harris Farmer, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.