About the position
The Food Procurement Specialist will work closely with the Warehouse Operations and other project partners to identify potential donors and vendors for the donation and procurement of food. Maintain a cost-effective, network-wide food purchasing & donation program. Exploring new purchasing strategies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Responsibilities
- Manages food and product acquisitions and donations for The Food Depot, including canned/dry, produce, dairy, and frozen protein.
- Includes acquisitions of non-food related items, dog and cat food, household supplies, and personal care items.
- Ensure requisition orders are accurate, comparing prices, specifications, and delivery dates to secure the best bid.
- Use inventory software to manage balances, reorder points, and ensure sufficient quality, quantity, and variety of food products.
- Track daily inventory levels to determine procurement needs, whether through purchases or donations.
- Work with the Director of Warehouse Operations and Procurement and Operations Lead to monitor available storage space and collaborate daily with the Inventory Coordinator on product tracking.
- Collaborate with the Director of Programs and Director of Distribution to ensure programmatic and agency product needs are met with quality, variety, and volume.
- Communicates information about inbound product and solicits input across departments.
- Manages the recall process of products within the food bank and its partner agencies.
- Research and understand food requirements specific to Northern New Mexico, adapting procurement strategies to meet these needs.
- Develop and maintain tools to forecast and track purchasing activities considering demand, cost, variety, and timing.
- Document purchasing activities and assess vendor and donor outreach programs to determine the most cost-effective options.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure optimal acquisition of products through the selection and bidding process.
- Track and develop or maintain donor relationships with local grocery and Blue Receipt Grocery stores.
- Assures that food is handled following safe food handling practices.
- Performs quarterly and Annual physical inventory with Operations Team.
- Understands and complies with all Food Depot policies, procedures, and systems.
- Performs related duties as required or assigned.
Requirements
- Three years of related experience preferably knowledge of food procurement.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be a team player.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team approach to achieve successful results.
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders and constituents, donors and vendors.
- Demonstrated self-starter with problem-solving ability.
- Ability to work with a customer/donor focus.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of The Food Depot and New Mexico Association of Food Banks.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills, excellent customer service skills.
- Must be computer literate, knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; knowledge of inventory systems a plus.
- Must be able to work independently as well as collectively with other staff members.
- Must be able to use general office equipment such as a computer, copier, scanner, etc.
- Must have excellent customer service skills and be able to interface with many diverse internal and external individuals across the state of New Mexico.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life
- Simple IRA
