Are you someone who enjoys the fast paced, ever changing produce industry? PRO*ACT is looking for a produce professional to join our team in Monterey as a Sourcing Specialist. As a PRO*ACT Sourcing Specialist you will provide value to distributors by sourcing high-quality products at competitive prices. Applying candidates must be a willing participant of a cohesive team, embrace multitasking and have superior communication skills with the utmost attention to detail.
The Sourcing Specialist will:
- Maximize incentive programs by sourcing from respective supplier base; balance incentives with product quality and price to maximize benefits
- Source and price P.O.s in a timely manner
- Forecast market trends, product quality, availability and seasonal transitions; communicate to internal team and distribution network
- Provide sourcing price comparisons as directed by department leadership
- Ensure order fulfillment by utilizing data and reports to hold supplier partners accountable
- Network and collaborate with internal team, distributor procurement and sales teams and suppliers to grow business
- Build customer loyalty by working within each customer’s parameters (supplier preferences, quality needs, desired prices/incentives and timing requirements) to match them with the suppliers best suited to their needs
- Visit suppliers, attend industry events and/or participate in annual sales & procurement conferences
- Maintain thorough knowledge and expertise on all assigned products
- Serve in “on-call” rotation: manage after-hours emergencies; communicate outcomes and/or additional needs with procurement; manage customer expectations throughout the process
- Assist Account Managers as necessary
- Other duties, as assigned
The successful candidate will have:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- 8+ Years produce experience required
- 2+ Year relevant experience as a Sourcing Specialist, Buyer or other procurement professional preferred
- Proficient in Excel and Word required
- Familiarity with Smartsheets preferred
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment required
- Ability to effectively communicate in stressful situations required
- Ability to problem solve with minimal oversight required
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team required
- Strong negotiating skills with a high focus on customer service required
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written required
PRO*ACT is America’s leading distributor of fresh produce to the fresh food industry, utilizing its network of over 50 distribution companies operating over 70 third-party inspected, independently owned distribution centers across the United States and Canada. PRO*ACT sources perishable product from premier local, national and regional suppliers and markets a one-call solution to fresh food operators who benefit from PRO*ACT’s category cost management through commodity contract pricing, in-house consultation services, and integrated produce program distribution management.
