From its headquarters in Salinas, Markon Cooperative, Inc. provides fresh produce purchasing, logistics, information and marketing services exclusively to its five member distributors (Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Company, and Shamrock Foods Company) and their foodservice customers. A leader in food safety, quality control and innovation, Markon is also mindful of the produce industry's impact on people – from field workers to consumers. At Markon, we put people first, and we offer a culture that values team work, loyalty, and a commitment to excellence.
Join our company and let’s redefine fresh, together!
SUMMARY: Under general supervision by the Purchasing Director, and guidance by the Pod Leader, plays a critical support role on a Pod team. Grows in knowledge and expertise in the designated category and learns the basics of negotiating skills and processes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, and other duties as may be assigned:
PRODUCT CATEGORY SUPPORT
- Supports the work of a Purchasing Team to help meet annual team goals
- Delivers effective vendor support through the accurate processing of passings, confirmations, vendor cost and pricing files
- Develops product expertise in designated categories over time
- Communicates price sheets to members
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Provides excellent member and vendor support services
- Monitors, tracks, addresses and/or seeks help with emerging issues
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that allows for the successful completion of the essential functions; typically, through a Bachelors or Associates degree in agriculture, business or related field and at least one (1) year of general office, produce or purchasing experience.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Strong Word, database, Excel and general computer abilities, along with the ability to learn new software quickly
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to respond to basic inquiries from the public, co-workers, and business affiliates and effectively respond to questions from the President, co-workers, affiliates, and business contacts
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, compile data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Job Expertise – Demonstrates competency in job knowledge and essential responsibilities
- Communication Skills - Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills, as well as listening skills
- Customer Service Skills – Demonstrates tact, courtesy and attention with internal and external contacts
- Judgment & Problem Solving - Decisions and actions are sound, evaluates solutions and selects appropriate courses of action, involving others as necessary
- Planning & Organizing – Develops short and long range goals and uses various tools to enhance personal effectiveness and team success
- Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Builds an environment that fosters teamwork and positive, supportive cooperation
- Reliability - Consistently demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, professionalism and dependability, ensures work is completed in a timely manner
- Leadership Skills – Models high standards of leadership; willingly exerts extra effort as needed to get the job done, delegates as appropriate, demonstrates ‘big picture” thinking, commitment and flexibility
WORKING CONDITIONS - working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ENVIRONMENT
- Approximately 95% of the time performing job duties is spent indoors in a standard office environment
- Approximately 90% of the time is spent on the computer and telephone
- Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Continuously: sit, reach with hands and arms, see (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus), hear and speak; key (i.e., computer, calculator, telephone)
MACHINES, TOOL AND EQUIPMENT:
- Occasionally: copier, fax, and 10-key calculator
- Continuously: writing instruments, computer and telephone
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.
