Procurement Manager / Global Sourcing Manager (GSM)

Join a company where your expertise drives global impact and your contributions are valued from day one! We offer comprehensive benefits starting on your first day of employment, two weeks of vacation after 90 days, company-paid Life and AD&D insurance, 401(k) options, and much more — because we invest in the people who help us grow!

Position Summary

Meridian Fine Foods, LLC is looking for a Procurement Manager / Global Sourcing Manager (GSM) to join our team. This position will be responsible for leading and executing the global berry sourcing strategy while remaining hands-on in day-to-day procurement execution and grower relations. This role ensures 52-week supply coverage, diversification of origins, competitive costs and margins, consistent quality and food safety compliance, and strong long-term grower partnerships.

Key Outcomes

• Ensure 52-week supply coverage across all berry categories.
• Reduce origin concentration risk (no country >60% of total volume).
• Improve and sustain gross margin per box.
• Deliver forecast accuracy >95%.
• Provide proactive risk identification and mitigation.
• Maintain fill rate of >95% against committed programs.

Core Responsibilities

1. Global Sourcing Strategy & Execution

• Design and execute annual sourcing plans for blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Define and manage sourcing origins portfolio.
• Negotiate seasonal and multi-year grower agreements.
• Evaluate supplier competitiveness by cost, quality, reliability, and risk.
• Identify and onboard strategic growers.

2. Grower Relations & Field Leadership

• Build long-term relationships with key producers.
• Conduct field visits to monitor crop development and post-harvest practices.
• Oversee grower certifications (Organic, GlobalGAP, SMETA, etc.).
• Lead onboarding and compliance with company standards.

3. S&OP Ownership & Supply Alignment

• Own weekly and monthly S&OP processes.
• Integrate sales forecasts with global supply capacity.
• Present supply, margin, and risk scenarios to leadership.
• Balance volume, margin, service level, and exposure.

4. Operational Procurement Management

• Oversee seasonal planning and volume commitments.
• Coordinate shipment schedules with growers and logistics teams.
• Ensure packaging and labeling meet customer specifications.
• Monitor packaging inventory and usage.
• Support settlement preparation and grower payment accuracy.

5. Financial & Performance Oversight

• Track and improve gross margin per supplier.
• Monitor integral cost by origin.
• Measure producer performance and quality compliance.
• Identify sourcing risks and implement mitigation strategies.

6. Organizational Leadership

• Lead and develop Procurement / Grower Relations Specialist(s).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality.
• Provide sourcing KPI dashboards and reporting.

Requirements

Required Experience

• 5–8 years in international agricultural sourcing (berries preferred).
• Experience negotiating grower contracts across multiple countries.
• Direct exposure to U.S. retail programs.
• Experience leading S&OP or supply planning processes.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business, or related field preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong financial and margin analysis capability.
• Advanced Excel; ERP experience (e.g., Famous) preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic thinker with operational execution ability.
• High credibility with growers and executive leadership.
• Ability to lead without Director-level authority.
• Proactive risk manager and decisive negotiator.

Additional Information

• Location: Fresno, CA (Preferred) | Guadalajara, MX (Considered)
• Travel: 40–50% (U.S., Mexico, Peru, and other sourcing regions)
• Reports To: Country Manager 
• Direct Reports: Procurement / Grower Relations Specialist (U.S./Mexico – dotted line)