Ayco Farms, based in Pompano Beach, FL, is a premier supplier of a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from multiple growing and shipping points throughout the world. We grow at our own farms and sell to the top national supermarkets and distributors. We have experienced double digit growth for the past 5 years, and as part of our continued growth, we are expanding with a new office location in Orange County to serve the western U.S. markets.
We are now seeking a top Grower Relations Manager in Orange County to join the start-up of our western U.S. division. In this new and critical role you will have the following responsibilities:
- Oversee assigned growers in produce harvest, packing and quality control
- Facilitate new and existing grower relationships to meet supply chain volume requirements.
- Perform ongoing grower performance analysis and apply results to business decisions.
- Network and cultivate industry and grower contacts to help fulfill future acquisition requirements.
- Manage the process related to working with growers to estimate volume and sizing; assist in forecasting and planning.
- Collaborate with sales and commodity management to forecast volume needs, harvest and packing timing
- Schedule harvesting to coincide with markets to optimize prices and returns.
- Track and communicate inventory levels and produce quality at pack houses and storage facilities
- Proactively communicate with growers to facilitate compliance requirements for supplier approval and food safety.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working in the produce industry and in a purchasing, sales and/or farm setting.
- Proficiency MS Office - Word, Excel required.
- Fluent English/Spanish preferred.
- Must be flexible to work weekends, holidays and evenings as necessary.
- Valid driver’s license
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills with ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, under pressure and remain flexible.
- High level of customer service focus for both internal and external customers.
- Able to set priorities and meet deadlines while accomplishing team objectives.
- Able to effectively negotiate with ability to close the deal.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good verbal/written communication skills.
We offer a very competitive compensation package with base salary, performance bonus and benefit package
