Lead Produce & Meat Buyer
Overview
Roots Farm Market (founded in 2019) is a farmer-owned, year-round market dedicated to showcasing the highest quality locally grown produce and thoughtfully sourced foods. Our mission is to strengthen Vermont’s regional food system by building lasting partnerships with local farms and offering exceptional seasonal products in a warm, community-centered retail environment
We are seeking a knowledgeable and driven Lead Produce & Meat Buyer to oversee all fresh produce procurement and maintenance. This mid-level leadership role owns the vision, planning, and execution of our produce program, with a strong emphasis on local farm relationships, seasonality, quality standards, and financial performance.
The ideal candidate has direct experience buying fresh vegetables—preferably from local and organic farms in Vermont—and understands how to balance seasonality, margins, merchandising, and customer demand within a small-format retail environment.
Position Summary
The Produce & Meat Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, forecasting, pricing, and merchandising all produce in the store, while also coordinating ordering and inventory maintenance for the store’s local meat selection.
This role acts as the primary link between Roots Farm Market in Middlesex, VT, and its founding farm, Bear Roots Farm (located in Williamstown and South Barre), as well as other regional producers. This buyer plays a key role in shaping the store’s identity through a vibrant, seasonal vegetable program and strong partnerships with local farms.
This is both a strategic and hands-on role, requiring time in the walk-in, heavy lifting, on the sales floor, and regular communication with growers and producers
Key Responsibilities
Produce Strategy & Seasonal Planning
- Develop and execute a seasonal produce sourcing plan aligned with regional crop cycles
- Forecast weekly and monthly produce needs based on sales trends and seasonal shifts
- Curate a diverse, high-quality vegetable selection with an emphasis on Bear Roots Farm produce and other local producers
- Monitor market pricing and adjust retail pricing to maintain healthy margins while remaining competitive
- Track shrink and implement strategies to reduce waste and increase sell-through
Farm & Vendor Relationships
- Serve as primary point of contact for local farm partners
- Build & maintain strong, transparent relationships with growers
- Identify and onboard new farm vendors to expand product diversity
- Stay informed on crop forecasts, weather impacts, and regional agricultural trends
- Visit farms and attend local food and buying events as needed
Meat Program Coordination
- Coordinate weekly ordering of locally raised meats from regional producers and distributors
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels and monitor sales trends
- Ensure proper receiving, storage, and rotation in accordance with food safety standards
- Support pricing, merchandising, and product availability within the meat case
Ordering, Receiving & Inventory Management
- Place weekly and rolling orders according to vendor schedules
- Create and manage purchase orders in POS/inventory system
- Oversee produce receiving, ensuring quality, temperature compliance, and accuracy
- Maintain organized, properly rotated walk-in storage (FIFO)
- Analyze sales data and adjust ordering quantities accordingly
Merchandising & Quality Control
- Lead produce display strategy to ensure abundance, freshness, and visual appeal
- Maintain accurate pricing, farm signage, and product information
- Establish and uphold quality standards for all produce on the floor
- Train staff on proper handling, rotation, and storage protocols
Leadership & Collaboration
- Collaborate with management team on financial performance and category growth
- Communicate produce updates, seasonality highlights, and changes to staff
- Share photos, updates, or promotions with our marketing team
- Support in-store promotions, tastings, and farm spotlight features
- Step into customer-facing register role as needed to support store operations
Qualifications
- 1-2+ years experience with buying or managing fresh produce in retail, farmers market, or food distribution center
- Strong knowledge of vegetable farming, VT specific food system, and regional growing cycles
- Must have experience working directly with farms or local food producers
- Demonstrated ability to manage inventory, margins, and shrink
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Passion for local agriculture and sustainable food systems
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs regularly and work in refrigerated storage environment
- Positive, team oriented attitude
What this role offers
- Ownership over a dynamic, seasonal produce program
- Direct relationships with regional farmers
- Opportunity to shape the store’s identity through produce leadership
- Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
Schedule
- Full time 40 hrs/week
- Mostly closing shifts 10AM-6:15PM with a few opening 8AM-4PM
- One weekend day
Compensation
- $21-22/hour depending on experience
- Accrual based PTO
- 15% Store Discount
- Daily Staff Lunch
- Access to 2nd quality produce or store culls