Procurement & Food Safety Coordinator

South Carolina Coastal Conservation League • North Charleston, SC

69d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Farm Outreach Manager, the Procurement & Food Safety Coordinator supports GrowFood Carolina’s mission to strengthen South Carolina’s local food system by managing farmer relationships, coordinating produce procurement, and maintaining food safety compliance. This position serves as both a produce buyer and the food safety officer for the warehouse, ensuring all operations meet state and federal requirements while supporting small and mid-sized farmers to access wholesale markets.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with farmers, partners, and internal teams.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation, especially in food safety and compliance tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and relevant food safety regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including small and mid-sized farm businesses.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify sourcing opportunities and resolve food safety or logistical issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management; experience with procurement or inventory software preferred.
• Commitment to the mission of strengthening South Carolina’s local food system.
• Associate degree in agriculture, food systems, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in food systems, agriculture, food safety, or produce procurement.
• Working knowledge of food safety principles, farm operations, and compliance standards.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to farm and partner locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Experience working with farmers and food hubs, cooperatives, or farm-to-market distribution networks.
• Familiarity with GAP Harmonized+ and organic certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with procurement team to send grower orders, create purchase orders, and assist with inventory management in our software system.
• Coordinate with partner growers to ensure consistent, high-quality supply of local produce for sales and distribution.
• Support the operations team in managing quality control systems, documenting product feedback, and ensuring clear communication with the sales team and growers to maintain consistent product quality and transparency.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with farmers through phone calls, farm visits, and in-person meetings.
• Cultivate new farm partners and identify opportunities to diversify product supply.
• Collaborate with the sales and operations teams to align procurement with seasonal demand, market trends, and annual crop planning goals.
• Provide guidance to growers on production planning, quality standards, and wholesale readiness.
• Manage GrowFood Carolina’s Food Safety and Organic Program to ensure ongoing compliance with state, federal, and GAP Harmonized+ certification standards.
• Train warehouse staff on food safety and organic certification requirements.
• Oversee recordkeeping, audits, and documentation required for food safety and organic certifications.
• Coordinate with the Operations team to monitor sanitation logs, traceability systems, and handling procedures.
• Represents GrowFood Carolina at meetings, events, and partner engagements related to local agriculture and food systems.
• Partner with community organizations to deliver workshops and resources that help small farmers enter wholesale markets.
• Support GrowFood’s mission of increasing market access for local producers and strengthening South Carolina’s local food economy.
• Assist with data tracking, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• The Coastal Conservation League offers a competitive suite of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance, 403(b) retirement and generous paid time off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees