SUMMARY
Responsible for processes required to manage Pacific Organic’s domestic growers in collaboration with Pacific Organic Supply Chain and Sales Departments. Facilitate new and existing grower relationships to meet ever-increasing supply chain volume requirements. Oversee assigned growers in produce harvest, packing and quality control on behalf of Pacific Organic. Provide technical and/or horticultural expertise to growers and Pacific Organic staff.
EEO / VETERANS / DISABLED
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with internal business partners to develop and sustain relationships with growers and other supply lines.
- Manage the process related to working with growers to estimate volume and sizing; collaborate with business partners in deal forecasting and planning.
- Communicate to growers information regarding growing, harvesting, packing, sales, market, poor quality and returns.
- Build and develop new produce supply opportunities through grower recruitment:
- Perform cold calls to potential new growers;
- Research conventional growers that are in transition to organic production for future supply;
- Establish new relationships and collaborate with Pacific Organic supply chain and commodity sales staff to close new deals.
- Responsible for harvest and packing management:
- Collaborate with sales and commodity management to forecast volume needs, harvest and packing timing
- Negotiate packing house agreements inclusive of rates and terms.
- Oversee grower processes in securing labor, hauling logistics, picking standards and crop management related to quality;
- Understand best practices and oversee pre-harvest tree handling and post-harvest fruit handling.
- Schedule harvesting to coincide with markets to optimize prices and returns.
- Estimate and proactively communicate to internal business partners regarding crop volume and fruit sizing;
- Provide direction to growers on growing best practices and food safety.
- Ensure packing houses apply industry grading standards to maximize bin pack out and to meet Pacific Organic’s quality expectations;
- Track and communicate inventory levels and produce quality at pack houses and storage facilities.
- Present final returns to growers.
- Proactively communicate with growers to facilitate compliance requirements for supplier approval, organic certification and food safety.
- Embrace a high regard for safety. Observe all Company safety policies and procedures.
- Perform all duties and responsibilities in a highly ethical manner and in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned by management.
Required Skills
COMPETENCIES
- Strong customer focus with professional demeanor.
- Self-motivated and multi-task focused.
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills with ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, under pressure and remain flexible.
- High level of customer service focus for both internal and external customers.
- Able to set priorities and meet deadlines while accomplishing team objectives.
- Able to effectively negotiate with ability to close the deal.
- Good attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good problem-solving skills; able to resolve issues appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Able to develop and maintain effective, positive internal/external working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; a team player.
- Competent to generate reports and publish analysis.
- Strong computer skills, including Internet, MS Outlook, Word and Excel; PowerPoint a plus; competent to learn and adapt to new computer applications, system upgrades and other technology as necessary.
- Good verbal/written communication skills.
- Ability to work closely with management and team members to resolve problems and issues.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience and training required. Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working in the produce industry and in a purchasing, sales and/or farm setting; organics a plus. Proficiency in Internet, MS Outlook, Word, Excel required. Fluent English/Spanish bilingual skills preferred. Must be flexible to work weekends, holidays and evenings as necessary. Valid driver’s license required.
Required Experience