Produce Quality Assurance Specialist

About 1932 Specialty Produce & Meat and Saval Foodservice

1932 Specialty Produce & Meat is a growing division of Saval Foodservice focused on delivering exceptional produce, custom-cut meats, and specialty products to independent restaurants throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

As a family-owned company, Saval Foodservice has built its reputation on quality, service, and strong partnerships with the restaurant community. Our team is committed to helping operators succeed by providing the products, expertise, and support they need to thrive. Saval is proud to have been recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal as the #1 Company to work for in the Baltimore Region.

Position Summary

The Produce Specialist plays a key role in supporting the Saval Foodservice sales organization by helping grow produce sales across our customer base. This individual will serve as the internal produce expert, working alongside sales representatives and customers to identify opportunities, recommend solutions, and expand the use of fresh produce in restaurant kitchens.

This role will also assist the purchasing team with sourcing and procurement to ensure strong vendor relationships, competitive pricing, and consistent product availability.

This role requires a strong understanding of fresh produce, restaurant operations, and the ability to work collaboratively with the sales team to grow the category.

Key Responsibilities – Sales Support & Growth

• Partner with the Saval sales team to grow produce sales across existing and prospective customers
• Identify large new produce opportunities and develop strategies to capture additional business
• Assist sales representatives in building produce-focused order guides and menu solutions
• Support customer meetings and product presentations when produce expertise is needed

Produce Expertise

• Serve as a resource for product knowledge, seasonality, and quality specifications
• Educate the sales team on produce items, applications, and market trends
• Provide guidance on substitutions, seasonal items, and value-driven alternatives

Customer Engagement

• Work directly with chefs and operators to identify produce needs and opportunities
• Help customers improve food cost through product utilization, yield awareness, and seasonal purchasing
• Assist in introducing new produce items and specialty products to customers

Opportunity Identification

• Review customer purchasing patterns to identify opportunities to increase produce penetration
• Work with sales management to prioritize large produce prospects and strategic accounts
• Assist in converting customers currently sourcing produce from competitors

Sourcing & Purchasing Support

• Assist the purchasing team in sourcing produce from growers, shippers, and suppliers
• Help identify new vendors and sourcing opportunities that improve quality, availability, and value
• Provide feedback from the field on product quality, demand, and emerging trends
• Support the procurement team in managing seasonal product transitions and supply challenges

Collaboration with Purchasing & Operations

• Communicate customer needs and opportunities to the purchasing team
• Help ensure product assortment aligns with market demand and sales opportunities
• Provide feedback on quality, service, and product performance in the field

Qualifications

• Experience in produce, foodservice distribution, or restaurant operations
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce, seasonality, and kitchen applications
• Sales-minded with the ability to identify growth opportunities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a sales team in a fast-paced environment
• Organized, proactive, and customer-focused

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling produce or working in produce distribution
• Culinary background or experience working in restaurant kitchens
• Established relationships within the restaurant community

Recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal as a winning Family Owned Business for 2022.

Learn more about us at savalfoods.com/careers

Saval Foods LLC is an equal opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person