Job Description:
Albert’s Organics, America’s largest, most knowledgeable organic, fresh foods distributor and subsidiary of United Natural Foods, is seeking a Director of Produce Procurement in Santa Cruz, CA.
The Director of Produce Procurement will have 10+ years of purchasing experience with extensive knowledge of the perishable and produce industry. The position will provide proven leadership at the manager level of national produce procurement, as well as national and local produce category management.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Requirements:
- Intelligent and articulate with the ability to relate to people at all levels.
- Hands-on, energetic and motivated leader.
- Able to build and maintain effective, positive working relationships internally/externally with a diverse group of individuals throughout the organization and exemplify these qualities in a leadership role.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Strong management and leadership skills; able to inspire and motivate others to perform well.
- Willingness to share information, knowledge and experience; serve as a mentor to others.
- Forward thinker; decisive with strategic focus; able to see the big picture.
- Excellent work ethic; reliable/work flexible schedule as necessary.
- Highly organized; comfortable with multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment with the ability to prioritize and plan work activities for self and others, using time effectively; proactive with good follow-through.
- Excellent internal/external customer service philosophy.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Very high ethical standards; able to serve as a role model for others.
- Excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills.
- Highly competent problem-solving skills; able to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; ability to gather and analyze information skillfully.
- Good computer skills, including various purchasing systems, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook; competent to learn and adapt to new computer applications, system upgrades and other technology as necessary.
- Politically savvy.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Recruit, train and manage national procurement and category management staff in the performance of their duties, establishing priorities and achieving goals.
- Lead the development of strategic produce procurement and category management initiatives to ensure that an adequate supply of produce is secured for each division.
- Develop innovate ways to continuously improve performance and processes.
- Lead category management staff in the continuous development of national promotions, local retailer ads and the supplier performance management program.
- Forecast company produce needs and negotiate vendor programs and contracts.
- Maintain strong relationships with existing produce suppliers, and seek out new and qualified produce suppliers.
- Maintain a high level of communication and collaboration between produce procurement, category management, Pacific Organic and AO division produce replenishment buyers and sales management in order to meet or exceed sales goals.
- Ensure product quality meets industry standards to minimize rejections and quality issues at the divisions by holding suppliers accountable for quality and delivery issues.
- Manage the procurement buyers processes related to supplier approval and organic certification compliance.
- Communicate frequently with key suppliers to gather information and keep ahead of industry trends.
- Assist in and work collaboratively with IT in developing information systems needed to effectively manage the business.
- Embrace a high regard for safety. Observe all Company safety policies and procedures.
- Perform all duties in a highly ethical manner and in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
- Lead and serve as a role model for others in the organization by consistent demonstration of high ethical standards.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree in relevant field or equivalent training and experience.
- 10+ years of purchasing experience with extensive knowledge of the perishable and/or produce industry; organics a plus.
- Proven management experience, including supervision of others.
- Experienced negotiator.
- Competent using MS Office products - Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
