Food Sourcing Specialist Agriculture and Retail

Agriculture and Retail Food Sourcing Specialist

ABOUT US

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle envisions a hunger free community. We feed our neighbors, teach self-sufficiency, grow healthy food, and cultivate innovative approaches to end hunger. As a member of Feeding America, the Food Shuttle distributes over 9 million pounds of food per year, 37% of which is fresh produce. From Grocery Bags for Seniors, BackPack Buddies, and School Pantries; to Community Health Education and Mobile Markets; Catering and Culinary Job Training; and Community Gardening and a 14-Acre Farm; we go directly to the point of need to empower people and overcome the burden of hunger.

The Agricultural and Retail Food Sourcing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the efficient movement of retail and agricultural products from our BIPOC farmers, local farmers, retailers, and processors to our partner agencies. The position will manage relationships with the farmers and retail donors to maximize purchases and donations. The Agricultural and Retail Food Sourcing Specialist will work closely with other functional teams of the organization to strengthen internal and external relations including Operations, Development, and Communications. The Agriculture and Retail Food Sourcing Specialist will work from the Malone Center in Raleigh (30% admin tasks), travel to other locations counties inside and outside our Food Shuttle service area, (meeting and prospecting farmers/visiting farms/retailers 50%), other tasks (20%). The hours for this position are flexible and vary from week to week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Thoroughly understand the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, its mission, policies, culture, values, history, key stakeholders, and programs

Assist the Food Sourcing Manager to develop and implement a comprehensive produce and retail sourcing strategy that includes purchases and donations from a variety of sources, identifying and responding to emerging produce trends, and leveraging technology to streamline produce procurement and donation processes

Develop and maintain relationships with BIPOC agricultural producers, retailers, donors, processors, and distributors at all levels of the Feeding America Network to secure purchases, donations, and surplus products

Strengthen relationships with existing produce donors and identify, solicit, and cultivate relationships with prospective local, regional, and national donors by, but not limited to, donor meetings, speaking events, cold calling, and utilizing Feeding America resources

Work directly with farmers, donors, and the Warehouse Team to resolve issues around quality, pickups, and deliveries

Coordinate receiving/distribution of acquired produce with members of the Warehouse Team and agency partners when necessary

Work with the Communications Department to develop marketing material and social media around the BIPOC Produce Purchasing Program

Engage in the process of food safety, remain current and trained on all internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Feeding America best practices, and food safety SOPs applicable to this position; uphold and maintain appropriate aspects of food safety and handling and be always “audit ready”; successfully take and complete all food safety training applicable to this position

Assist with the management of the Retail Donor program as well as continue to expand it through all our service areas

Responsible for all reporting around Agricultural purchases and other donor programs

Assist the Food Sourcing Manager as needed

Act as backup for food purchasing role

Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of 3-4 years of agriculture sourcing experience required

A minimum of 1-2 years of customer service experience required

Demonstrated independent judgment and analysis required

Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office

Must have excellent communication skills (verbal, public speaking, and written)

B.S./B.A. Degree preferred

Insurable driving record, as travel is required

Valid NC driver’s license and insurable driving record

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Experience with pull-behind trailers is required

CORE COMPETENCIES

Persuasive Communication: The ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that make an impact and persuade their intended audiences.

Building Collaborative Relationships: The ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mostly an office environment with some warehousing. Local travel is required. Donor and Agency visits throughout the service area. Some early morning and after-hours, weekend, and holiday work required. Some leading volunteer groups and interns

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Able to lift 30 lbs. Standing and walking for long time frames. Driving during the day and night.

DIRECT REPORTS

None

EEO and Everify

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) [Inter-Faith Food Shuttle] provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity.

ADA Compliant: [Inter-Faith Food Shuttle] is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [HR department].

Inter-Faith validates the right to work using E-Verify. Inter-Faith will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Pay Rate: $18.56 per hour. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. Simple IRA retirement plan with matching contribution. Paid Time Off (PTO) and ten (10) paid holidays.

TO APPLY

Please send resume and cover letter to recruiter@FoodShuttle.org

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to build a team of individuals from diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences.