Sr. Mgr, Produce Sourcing - Central Region (Remote Region Based Role)

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The Sr Manager Produce Sourcing will oversee the implementation and effectiveness of innovative sourcing strategies in support of the Produce category, within an assigned Sourcing Region, Central Region, directing the "boots on the ground effort" to identify growers/vendors within the assigned region, ensuring utilization of best in industry practices relative to quality, safety and traceability, product assortment and yield volume. Works to establish and achieve sourcing region goals and direct the on-going market intelligence and vendor evaluation process for their assigned sourcing region. Develops negotiation strategies for sourcing contracts, and oversee opportunity buys and manage vendor relationships as it pertains to the Central Region.

• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) within assigned sourcing region, aimed at identifying best-in-class vendors/producers in the areas of; quality, safety and traceability, product assortment and yield volume. Oversee growing region progress in meeting KPIs. Oversees the vendor evaluation process and vendor selection process for assigned sourcing region in order to achieve overall category strategy. Coordinates with other sourcing elements across remaining regions to coordinate national efforts.
• Lead the implementation and day to day management of sourcing strategies to support the overall category strategy within assigned sourcing region, to include; opportunity buys, negotiation of short and long term vendor contracts, effective utilization of crop yields etc.
• Work closely with Category Management and Category Planning to measure overall category strategy and effective plans/ methods to meet or exceed established targets.

• Travel up to 30% of the time within the assigned region.
• Valid Drivers license required

• Four year college degree in agriculture, business or other relevant degree, or equivalent experience required.

• A minimum of 7 years relevant experience within the produce vendor community required. Similar experience in Category Management (including vendor management and pricing) or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 4 years prior managerial experience required.
• Prior sales experience strongly desired. Must have proven experience in vendor negotiations.
• Experience within the produce industry or food manufacturing companies required.

• Must possess the ability to operate successfully in a matrix environment and work effectively across multiple groups and levels.
• Solid negotiation skills, as well as excellent communication skills required.
• Must have a thorough and complete understanding of "whole crop utilization" with the ability to successfully apply crop volume across an array of applications (fresh, frozen, private label etc).
• Must possess proficiency in contract management and effective vendor relations/management skills.
• Prior experience in international produce sourcing preferred.
• The successful candidate will have solid quantitative and analytical skills and the ability to work in a team setting, drive team results and support change management within the organization. Must be able to provide fact-based recommendations across various levels of management.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high degree of motivation, the ability to prioritize and self-direct, strong business acumen and sound interpersonal skills. Strong verbal, written and presentation skills required.
• Proficiency required in the use of Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Outlook required.
• Prior experience with Microsoft Access a plus.
• Prior experience managing others required.