Green Goods Buyer in Windsor Locks, Connecticut at Northern Nurseries Inc

The Green Goods Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing nursery stock for multiple company locations, negotiating supplier agreements, maintaining strong vendor relationships, and ensuring product availability aligns with customer demand. This role combines horticultural expertise, purchasing strategy, inventory planning, and travel to leading growers throughout the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and purchase a broad assortment of trees, shrubs, perennials, and nursery stock to support company operations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with growers, vendors, and industry partners.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, freight arrangements, and supplier terms.
• Travel to grower locations to inspect plant material and evaluate product quality.
• Collaborate with Distribution Center leadership and sales teams to ensure accurate inventory availability and competitive pricing.
• Monitor inventory levels, market conditions, and seasonal demand trends.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and emerging products within the green industry.
• Resolve vendor discrepancies, freight issues, and supplier credit claims.
• Coordinate inbound shipments and logistics while optimizing transportation costs.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and grower meetings to stay informed on market trends and innovations.
• Analyze purchasing data and provide recommendations that support company profitability and growth.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in horticulture, nursery operations, landscape supply, garden center management, or a related green industry field.
• Strong working knowledge of nursery stock, plant identification, and product quality standards.
• Experience negotiating pricing and managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to travel throughout the United States as needed.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Previous purchasing, buying, inventory, or procurement experience within the nursery, greenhouse, or landscape industry.
• Experience working with ERP, inventory, or purchasing management systems.