JOB FILLED - Director of Packaging & Materials / Ingredient Procurement - Joe Produce | Produce Jobs, Produce Careers, Agriculture Jobs, Agriculture Careers

JOB FILLED - Director of Packaging & Materials / Ingredient Procurement

Job Description: 

ABOUT BRAGA FRESH 
For three generations the Braga family has been farming in the western United States from the Salinas Valley to Yuma, Arizona. With more than 20 years of a certified organic farming program in place, we are one of the fastest growing organic produce companies in America. A vertically integrated company, we mix innovation with tradition to grow, ship and process fresh vegetables and salads year-round under the Braga Farms and Josie’s Organics brands.  

Position Description: 
This role will be responsible in developing the internal teams and external network of vendors for all packaging and ingredient inputs for Braga Fresh and Braga Fresh Foods. 

The position will report to VP Operations and primary responsibilities will include: 

  • Manage and source all packaging and ingredient inputs to meet all production demand of field pack and value add product lines. 
  • Oversee all material forecasting, purchasing and inventory management 
  • Develop and oversee entire procurement process including bidding/contract negotiations 
  • Efficiently select vendors, support contract negotiations to maintain a cost-effective supply chain
  • Cross department leadership and communication 
  • Costing/P&L 
  • Plans and develops annual fiscal budget for procuring all packaging and ingredient inputs 

A successful candidate will be able to: 

  • Accomplish department objectives by managing staff; planning and evaluating department activities and/or needs.
  • Identify and lead all process improvement including suppliers, RFPs, contracts, and performance reporting.
  • Manage cost analysis and vendor performance on an ongoing basis.
  • Ability to create, track and drive project timelines and new art transitions with pressing deadlines.
  • Responsible for maintaining and developing key vendor relationships that meet Braga Fresh standards.
  • Maintain and expand supplier mix of packaging and inputs to maximize efficiencies and costs.
  • Seek new packaging opportunities that improve company and customer sustainable initiatives.
  • Drive cost savings opportunities and production efficiencies.
  • Act as liaison between sales, marketing, private brands, R&D, processing operations and harvesting to determine project priorities and timelines.
  • Develop inventory processes and SOPs for all packaging and ingredient inputs for both commodity and value add programs.
  • Ensure all sourced inputs are compliant with all Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Good manufacturing practices (GMP), traceability and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) practice.
  • Oversee artwork development process between Braga team and packaging suppliers from die line to launch.
  • Work cross functionally and collaborate across all internal and external departments.
  • Build universal process of assigning/tracking materials part numbers, material specifications, categorizing final art files and CCOF organic review for SQF requirements. 
  • In tandem with R&D and marketing, collaborate with outside vendors (i.e.: packaging, condiments, equipment, inputs.) Support R&D to determine packaging specifications. 
  • Drive company sustainability initiatives related to packaging. 
  • Occasional travel to vendor locations or Braga winter CA desert growing region. 

Required Experience and Relations: 

  • 5-10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain roll 
  • Experience with rigid containers, labels, film, poly packaging, corrugate, RPCs and pallets. 
  • Experience with both a processing environment and fresh food packaging development for value-add vegetables and salads is a must 
  • Proven track record of strong negotiating skills 
  • Existing vendor relationships for paper, film, and ingredient sourcing 
  • Understands inventory management 
  • Proven strong leadership and communication skills 
  • Self-starter with ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously for both yourself and the Braga Fresh team 
  • Be a team player is a must.

LOCATION: Salinas Valley Hybrid: Year-round presence at all our facilities and offices in Soledad, Speckels and Gonzales, CA with periodic remote work. 

Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Confidential Job: 
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