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This job expired on November 17, 2020

Local Food Procurement Coordinator Food Connects

  • Date Posted September 18, 2020
  • Location Brattleboro, VT
  • Category Agriculture / Business
  • Job type Full-Time
Company description

Food Connects is a dynamic and growing nonprofit organization based in Brattleboro, VT that delivers locally produced food as well as educational and consulting services aimed at transforming local food systems. Founded in 2013, Food Connects (FC) is a catalyst for food systems change by connecting the next generation with their food, local farmers with new markets, and school chefs with local food. 

The Food Connects Food Hub delivers source-identified local food from over 80 farms and value-added producers to over 140 wholesale customers located in Vermont, Western New Hampshire, and Western Massachusetts. Currently, we offer up to four weekly deliveries and conduct sales through our online platform. The Food Hub is experiencing rapid growth and will be expanding operations, infrastructure, and delivery schedule over the coming year.

Food Connects is looking for a passionate, experienced Local Food Procurement Coordinator (LFPC) to build and manage a strong catalog of local and source-identified foods, and to oversee the day-to-day logistics of procurement and inventory management. The LFPC would be an integral part of supporting Food Connects' vision to provide innovative and transformative solutions to New England's local food system.

Job description

The Local Food Procurement Coordinator (LFPC) will be responsible for strengthening Food Connects’ ability to offer a growing list of new and exciting local food products to its customers. The LFPC will be Food Connects’ first dedicated procurement hire and will have room to make a lasting impact on FC’s procurement long-term strategy and systems. 

The LFPC will have both high-level, creative projects and regular, detailed maintenance tasks. At the high level, the LFPC will coordinate closely with the Food Hub team to refine and codify product scouting, vetting, and onboarding procedures and standards. They will be involved in cutting edge conversations within food hub “networks” across New England and the East Coast as food hubs seek to develop new ways to transact with one another and reinvent food distribution systems. They will also actively seek out and onboard new products and producers on an ongoing basis, with the goal of providing the Food Hub’s customers with a dynamic, ever-evolving selection of local foods.

As part of their daily, detailed tasks, the LFPC will lead the tracking and management of stocked inventory. They will also maintain and update the Food Hub’s catalog in preparation for twice-weekly release to customers, with a focus on collecting and assembling supply data from fresh produce growers whose offerings vary from week to week. 

The LFPC will be responsible for keeping detailed records (e.g. of products and producer leads and accounts, of procurement systems and procedures) with the goal of creating robust internal reference documents to aid Food Connects in navigating sales growth and increasing complexity. 

The LFPC is based at the Food Connects office in Brattleboro, VT but will involve regular regional travel for producer visits.

Collaboration 

  • The LFPC will work closely with the Food Hub Co-Managers, the FC Marketing and Outreach Manager, the sales team, and the operations team. 
  • The LFPC will participate, as needed, in decision making on business development and the direction of the Food Hub.
  • All Food Hub employees report to one of the Food Hub Co-Managers, and are accountable to both. 
Schedule 
  • This is a full-time non-exempt, hourly position with the possibility of evolving to full-time exempt salary. 
  • The schedule has some flexibility, but general availability is required on weekdays from approximately 9 am to 5 pm.
Job Responsibilities
  • Generates leads for new local, source-identified products (fresh and value-added, across all product types), with a focus on up-and-coming products with high potential for growth. 
  • Vets and onboards new products/producers in cooperation with the FH team, coordinating the integration of each new producer as required into FH marketing, sales, inventory, operations, and food safety systems.
  • Updates and oversees documented FH standard operating procedures for product scouting, vetting, and onboarding. 
  • Coordinates with producers to ensure the accurate and timely release of updated Food Hub catalogs in concert with weekly order cycles.
  • Oversees inventory control and management systems at the FH warehouse. 
  • Maintains positive and active relationships with all FC producers. 
  • Participates in the development of creative new forward contracting arrangements with producers to satisfy the sourcing needs of institutional customers. 
  • Where possible, helps producers spec and develop new products to meet customer needs. 
  • Partners with FH sales and management on special projects like inter-regional sourcing and sales and inter-food hub sales, building an “uglies”/”seconds” program, etc. 
  • Coordinates with the FH sales team to develop promotional calendars/programs for target producers and customers. 
  • Supports the Food Hub’s general operations needs when required. 
Required Qualifications
  • At least two years of previous food procurement and/or sales experience.
  • General knowledge of the sustainable food and agriculture sector. 
  • Strong knowledge of veggies, fruits, dairy, meats, value-added products, and other locally-produced foods. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal—in person, over the phone, email, text. 
  • Flexibility and adaptability in the face of a dynamic and high-intensity work week, and of a rapidly evolving local food industry. 
  • Strong organizational skills and a natural proclivity for keeping detailed records. 
  • Interest in and ability to adapt to changes in evolving business, be creative, and jump in where needed to optimize operations.
  • Cheerful, professional presence.
  • General technical skills with common workplace tools such as G-Suite, Excel, Slack, Asana, and customer relationship management software (CRM).
  • Ability to learn and incorporate new tools and technology into the work plan. 
  • Reliable private vehicle. Mileage tracked and reimbursed at the federal rate. The LFSA will have access to an FC company vehicle for sales trips, but availability is not always guaranteed.
  • Valid driver’s license, and willingness to allow FC to run driving record check. 
  • Reliable cell phone. Monthly cell phone reimbursement is rolled into salary.
  • At least 3 professional references. 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Existing relationships with/knowledge of food producers in Southeastern VT, Southwestern NH, and Western MA.
  • General knowledge of purchasing regulations for schools, institutions, and restaurants. 
  • Experience in small business management and/or business development, especially in the food sector.
  • Familiarity with the geographical area of our delivery services.
  • Experience with E-commerce and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for food sales and distribution.
  • Experience operating a pallet jack and forklift. 
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations.
Compensation this position is : hourly, varies DOE, $19.00 - $21.00 Application instructions
This job expired on November 17, 2020
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