Seafood Buyer

Santa Monica Seafood is growing and rapidly becoming the largest and most well-known processor and distributor of fresh and frozen seafood in the Southwestern United States.  We operate 11 facilities six states, CA, AZ, NM, NV, IL and TX.  The Sourcing & Procurement team continues to grow and is in pursuit of driving strategic initiatives that will continue to drive sustainable growth and cost efficiency.

We are masters of our craft and have dedicated our livelihoods to seafood.  We are patient and we are happy to educate people about seafood.  We stand behind our product because we only source the highest quality.  We are family owned for over 83 years.  We have a proud brand history and heritage.

THE OPPORTUNITY is in Thornton, CO (Hybrid Work Location / Home / Office)

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Seafood Buyer to join our team. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing seafood products while ensuring quality, pricing, and supply chain efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the seafood industry, market trends, and supplier relationships. This role requires expertise in seafood markets, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to maintain relationships with suppliers while ensuring product quality and cost-effectiveness. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in meeting the diverse needs of our clients, including restaurants, multi-unit foodservice chains, institutions, and grocery stores. This position plays a critical role in ensuring our company meets the diverse seafood needs of our customers while maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This position will have a Jr buyer under them.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and source high-quality seafood products from local and international suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing and contract terms to optimize cost savings and quality.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, fisheries, and distributors.
• Monitor seafood market trends, availability, and seasonal fluctuations.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability and food safety regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to forecast demand and manage inventory levels.
• Evaluate and approve new suppliers and products based on company standards.
• Address any quality or supply chain issues promptly.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Previous experience as a Seafood Buyer or in a similar procurement role.
• Strong knowledge of seafood varieties, quality standards, and sustainability practices.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends and pricing strategies.
• Strong Seafood and Logistics knowledge is a must
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management and procurement software.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make data-driven decisions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health and wellness benefits.
• Employee discounts on seafood products.
• Career growth opportunities in a thriving industry.

If you have a passion for seafood and strong purchasing expertise, we’d love to hear from you!