About Mellano & Company
Mellano & Company is a family-owned leader in the floral industry with more than 100 years of experience delivering high-quality floral products and services. Our reputation is built on strong values, trusted relationships, and a commitment to excellence. As our wholesale operations continue to expand, we are seeking a talented Floral Purchasing Manager to support our growth and operational success.
Position Summary
The Floral Purchasing Manager is a key contributor to our wholesale business, responsible for leading procurement strategy, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing inventory and demand planning. This role demands proven expertise in cold chain management, perishable goods procurement, and supply chain operations. This high-visibility role directly impacts product availability, customer satisfaction, and company profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Lead wholesale procurement strategy across multiple domestic and international regions for perishable and temperature-sensitive product categories.
- Manage vendor relationships from farm/origin through cold chain delivery ensuring quality, compliance with temperature requirements, pricing, and service expectations are consistently met.
- Partner cross-functionally with Wholesale Operations and sales team to identify new market opportunities and expand product offerings.
- Provide timely and accurate responses to product availability and pricing inquiries.
Demand Planning and Analytics
- Develop demand forecasts using market data, historical trends, and sales input.
- Create annual forecasts with weekly breakdowns, volume projections, and pricing models.
- Monitor inventory flow to minimize shrink and maximize profitability of purchased and company-grown products.
Commercial Excellence
- Negotiate vendor pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms while maintaining quality standards.
- Conduct detailed cost analysis to support accurate gross margin calculations and pricing decisions.
- Manage end-to-end purchase order processes with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.
Relationship Management and Market Development
- Build and maintain strong, professional vendor partnerships.
- Represent Mellano & Company at industry trade shows and networking events.
- Support product line development through market trend analysis and customer insights.
- Coordinate seasonal planning programs aligned with market cycles and demand.
Required Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, order management, or supply chain operations.
- Experience in fresh floral, perishables, refrigerated, or temperature-sensitive product categories (e.g., fresh produce, dairy, specialty foods, frozen goods, fresh-cut flowers, or similar).
- Demonstrated knowledge of cold chain logistics, including temperature compliance, shelf-life management, and shrink reduction strategies.
- Demonstrated success in cost control and achieving sales or profit targets.
- Advanced experience with inventory management and forecasting systems.
- Strong negotiation skills with a history of securing favorable commercial terms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Technical Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis functions.
- Experience with ERP or inventory management systems preferred.
- Proficiency with standard business software applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and Spanish. (Spanish preferred)
- Associate degree or certification in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
- B2B customer-facing or trade show experience.
Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based with occasional warehouse or facility visits.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Comfortable working in cooler and warehouse environments.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during peak seasons.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision offerings
- Life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Employee discount
Mellano & Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offer
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- This position is based at our office in the LA Flower Market in LA. Are you able to commute and work from that office daily?
- How many years of professional floral work experience do you have?
Experience:
- procurement and purchasing: 5 years (Preferred)
- floral, cold-chain, perishable goods: 3 years (Preferred)
Language:
Work Location: In person
