Feeding Texas is a statewide nonprofit leading a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. We feed millions of struggling Texans through our state wide network of 21 member food banks; strengthen the collective response to hunger through collaboration and scaling success; and lead the public conversation to solve hunger in our state.
The Produce Sharing Program is a cooperative program between Feeding Texas and its members to supply fresh produce too food banks, both within and outside the state of Texas, focusing on quantity, quality, and variety.
We are currently looking for a Regional Sourcing Manager in Pharr, TX, who will strategically work with produce vendors to source donations of surplus produce for our food banks.
A successful candidate will have a strong produce-sales background with a working knowledge of the area’s growers, packers, and shippers. He or she will have strong negotiation and interpersonal skills and the ability to build mutually beneficial relationships with vendors and food bank staff members.
- A commitment to the Feeding Texas mission.
- Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences or a related field. One year of relevant experience may be substituted for one year of required education.
- Five years’ experience in produce / food distribution, warehousing and transportation.
- Understanding of produce seasonality, agricultural industry workings, culture and best practices.
- Strong technical background and knowledge of USDA criteria for grading produce.
- Ability to be flexible, handle multiple projects at once, and able to deal with calls throughout the day.
- Willingness to work collaboratively with member food banks to achieve common goals.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- 50 – 75% travel within region.
- Bilingual proficiency English / Spanish.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
- Be the face of Feeding Texas and market the Produce Sharing Program to potential partners.
- Work directly with growers and packers as appropriate to solicit donations or negotiate the lowest possible costs.
- Ensure sufficient quantity of product to meet or exceed the demand of member food banks.
- Seek out new sources and types of product for the Program to meet or exceed the demand for a variety of seasonally appropriate items available at any given time.
- Inspect available product and enforce USDA criteria for grading produce commodities.
- Continually enhance relationships with growers and packers to increase donations.
- Maintain and expand product and agricultural system knowledge, and create opportunities to impart knowledge to membership and relevant staff.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with food banks, suppliers, staff and partners.
- Submit monthly product sourcing reports and expense reports.
- Communicate activities, opportunities, and progress on a timely basis to Director of Supply Chain and Produce Program Manager located at Feeding Texas headquarters in Austin.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.
