To further our mission of leading a revolution in the food system, we are looking for an experienced Fresh Produce Buyer for our Melbourne Operations, focused exclusively on our wholesale market buying.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a senior, hands-on role at the heart of our supply chain: you will own our sourcing from the Melbourne wholesale market and work every day alongside our demand, operations and warehouse teams.

You will be responsible for finding, selecting and securing the best seasonal product from the market at the right quality, price and time, and for building the wholesaler relationships that make that possible. Your core priorities are:

- sourcing exceptional, seasonal product that meets the standard our chefs expect;
- negotiating cost, quality and supply terms that keep us competitive and protect margin; and
- landing product on time, every time, so it is always available for dispatch and customer delivery, while minimising wastage

Melbourne is one of Natoora’s fastest growing markets worldwide, and you will be integral to our success and further growth in the region.

You will work particularly closely with our Demand Manager and Operations Manager. The Demand Manager forecasts demand and approves purchasing decisions: you bring the market knowledge, they bring the data and forecast, and together you make sure every purchase is the right one. You will welcome being questioned on over- and under-buys, and be just as willing to question the forecast when you know something the numbers do not, such as a crop running early or a market price shift. The Operations Manager depends on you to have product in the building, received and checked in time for dispatch, so managing tight timelines is critical. You will also coordinate with our farm-direct buyer so that market and farm supply work together.

Our ideal candidate has deep produce knowledge and a long track record of buying in fresh produce, with the credibility to hold their own with wholesalers and customers alike. You will possess a growth mindset, remarkable work ethic and a passion for great produce. You will be energised by early mornings at the market and by the pace of a busy operation, and be confident and composed under pressure.

WORKING PATTERN & TEAM

This role is based in our Collingwood warehouse, with daily time at the Epping wholesale market. The role has an 11pm start time, running in step with the market and warehouse.



You will report to the Managing Director and work closely with our Demand Manager, Operations Manager, Farm-Direct Buyer, and warehouse and sales teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead our wholesale market buying, selecting the best seasonal product from market suppliers for our chefs
- Negotiate prices, volumes, quality specifications and trading terms with wholesalers to deliver competitive cost and protect gross margin
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with market suppliers, and actively seek out new suppliers, varieties and products
- Coordinate with the farm-direct buyer so market and farm lines complement each other, reducing unnecessary overlap and sourcing each product from the best channel
- Work hand in hand with the Demand Manager: use forecasts and par levels to inform buying, share market intelligence openly, and be open to questions on over- and under-buys
- Work closely with the Operations Manager to meet tight timelines, making sure product arrives in time for dispatch and customer deliveries, and escalate supply issues early
- Place and manage purchase orders in line with company ethos, buying guidelines, the demand plan, inventory levels and KPI targets
- Monitor market pricing, seasonality, crop conditions and supply risks, and act early to protect availability and quality
- Minimise wastage and maximise availability together with the Demand Manager and operations, including action on slow-moving and overstock lines
- Set and uphold quality standards for all incoming product, working with the warehouse and night product team on receiving, quality control and supplier credits
- Coordinate with suppliers to raise and process credit notes
- Manage the performance of your supplier base through regular reviews and SLA management
- Communicate daily with market suppliers, the night product team and operations, including a clear handover, and answer sales and customer service questions on product and availability
- Share your knowledge of product and seasonality with the wider team,



including mentoring and developing less experienced buyers and night product associates
- Contribute to commercial planning, price competitiveness and range decisions as Natoora continues to grow in Melbourne

ABOUT YOU

- A seasoned fresh produce buyer with 5+ years of buying experience in fresh produce, including senior or head buyer experience and a proven record of leading a buying function
- Deep knowledge of fruit and vegetable varieties, seasonality, grading, quality, shelf life and storage, with the palate and product passion to match
- Established relationships and standing in the Melbourne wholesale market community (experience at Epping is essential)
- Proven negotiator with a track record of securing quality supply, cost savings and strong supplier terms, and of managing a supplier base through reviews and performance standards
- Proven ability to manage tight timelines in a time-critical, perishable environment, and to work closely with operations to deliver product on time for dispatch
- Commercial awareness of pricing, gross margin, inventory control and waste reduction, and comfortable working to cost, availability and wastage targets
- Numerate and comfortable working from forecasts, par levels and sales data, and able to use them to make quick, practical buying decisions
- Collaborative and open to challenge, with a track record of working closely with planning, operations and sales teams, and sharing knowledge generously
- Proactive, strong communicator at all levels, direct and straightforward with colleagues and suppliers in a quick-moving, hands-on environment
- Confident, composed and resilient under pressure, able to maintain accuracy and meet deadlines
- Good computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and/or Google Suite, and comfortable using purchasing and inventory systems
- Willingness to work night shifts

PERKS OF WORKING WITH US

In return you will work in one of the most exciting and innovative companies in our sector, within an open environment and with the potential to deliver significant positive impact to our society. At Natoora we pride ourselves in offering our staff a dynamic and supportive working environment, with a number of benefits including a competitive salary of $100-120k (based on experience), the opportunity to progress your career, and discounted produce.

📌 Fresh Produce Buyer (Melbourne)
🏢 Natoora
📍 Melbourne