Global Procurement

Charlie's Produce • Seattle, WA

329d • $78,000 - $105,000

About The Position

This role involves the identification and acquisition of both conventional and organic products, catering to our Retail, Wholesale, and Food Service clientele. Reporting to the Global Purchasing Manager, this role will collaborate with Purchasing and Sales to drive our import agendas as well as branded programs, and grower direct relationships.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in purchasing perishable produce preferred, with emphasis on administrative tasks associated with sourcing of perishable food procurement.
• Demonstrated proficiency in negotiation techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of commodities, particularly in vegetable, fruit, herbs, and grocery product lines.
• Background in inventory management, including forecasting and planning.
• Exceptional teamwork skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and a willingness to support all team members within the department.
• Strong mathematical and writing abilities, including the capability to swiftly calculate cases, pallets, product costs, market values, and margins.
• Excellent multitasking skills and the capacity to excel under pressure in day-to-day operations.
• Effective prioritization skills, deadline management, and the ability to achieve team goals with flexibility in workdays and hours.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills for communication with vendors, customers, and colleagues.
• Computer competency, including Microsoft Suite, 10 key, Power Enterprise and Tableau.
• Able to observe and follow proper safety procedures, and willing to report potentially unsafe conditions.

Responsibilities

• Use data and product knowledge to secure imported and domestic goods that position Charlie's in an advantageous position in the market via costing, quality, exclusivity and/or other unique product qualities.
• Execute the creation, receiving, and distribution of purchase orders through all distribution centers and our national sales channels.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize gross profit by coordinating sales, gross margin, inventory turnover, and managing costs related to all commodities.
• Achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) for variance management, proper inbound freight maintenance, PO accuracy, compliance, and other assigned KPIs as they present themselves.
• Recommend and direct the development and implementation of merchandise strategies and tactical plans for the category.
• Collaborate with Sales and Purchasing to identify and exploit merchandising opportunities, and proposing programs/plans for supervisor approval.
• Manage USDA inspection process when necessary.
• Evaluate and select export partners and growers while negotiating product costs.
• Establish and maintain beneficial vendor relationships.
• Identify new business opportunities aligned with short and long-term business strategies.
• Assist in vendor rebate reconciliation and resolve vendor claims related to consigned or protected products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• An amazing company culture!
• Medical/Dental/Vision on the first of the month following hire.
• ESOP (Profit Sharing) and 401(k).
• Paid vacations and paid holidays.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits, and onsite parking.
• Coverage under State Sick Leave.
• 100% Prepaid College Tuition for employees and their dependents.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods