Quality Control and Inventory Associate

Life Family Farms is a global importer of fresh produce, supplying wholesalers and retailers around the U.S.  We offer a direct connection from our grower partners to consumers, ensuring our fruits and vegetables are of the highest quality and packed with flavor. 

The Erneston name has been associated with the fresh produce industry in South Florida since 1923 and spans more than four generations. Chris Erneston III has taken his years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry and founded Life Family Farms. The company is built upon pillars of integrity, innovation, and sustainability. The company’s culture is rooted in ethical business practices, transparency, and a genuine commitment to service. Employees are encouraged to embody these values in every aspect of their work, from fortifying relationships with our grower partners and customers to engaging with our vendors and warehouse locations.

We are seeking a Quality Control and Inventory Associate to join our team in Pompano Beach, FL.

Under the direct supervision of the Procurement Director, the Quality Control & Inventory Associate will be responsible for verifying consistency between grower packing list and inventory upon receipt of shipment, manage our inventory database, informing warehouse of inventory repacks, maintain packing materials inventory updated, updating costs associated with purchase orders, run reports as needed during operations affecting purchase orders. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and communication skills. This is a demanding and fast-moving position that requires a proactive and positive thinker who can exercise good judgment, effective communication, and initiative.  The position is an on-site position at Pompano Beach, FL.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct thorough inspections of all incoming products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Ensure proper documentation is received for procured items.
• Forecast life expectancy of produce and notify team if produce is sellable to local or long-distance customers.
• Liaison between Life Family Farms and Customs Brokers, Ocean Carriers, and local Logistics companies.
• Maintain and update the inventory database, via Famous ERP.
• Communicate any critical inconsistencies that may negatively impact allocations inventory levels with team and warehouse.
• Verify repacks with warehouse and review repack and materials invoice charges and subrogate for invoice approval.
• Perform routine inventory audits and reconcile any discrepancies between physical counts and system records
• Identify, document, and report quality concerns; collaborate with buyers, leadership, grower partners, sales team and accounting to address issues.
• Maintain quality control documentation, including inspection reports and corrective action logs.
• Conduct daily inventory audits after shipping processes are completed in the system.
• Resolve discrepancies between physical and digital inventory records.
• Communicate inventory and quality issues (e.g., shorts, overages, quality defects) with relevant departments, including buying, sales, and management.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties and projects assigned.

Ideal Candidate: 
An ideal candidate for Quality Control & Inventory Associate for the Procurement department should possess a combination of skills, experience, and personal attributes that enable them to effectively support the team and contribute to the department's goals. Here are key characteristics and qualifications to consider:

Experience: 

• 2+ years of experience in Fresh Produce

Skills and Qualifications:

• Keen eye for inspecting fruits and vegetables and understanding produce shelf and travel life.  Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with team members, vendors, customs and warehouse personnel.
• Keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in data entry, documentation, and reporting.
• Familiarity with office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace.)
• Ability to maintain and update databases related to procurement and quality control activities. A friendly and professional demeanor to handle inquiries and support quality and procurement efforts.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, stand for extended periods and work in a cold environment for full shifts.
• Capability to identify issues, propose solutions, and think critically when faced with challenges. Efficiently manage time and deadlines, ensuring timely support for procurement and sales activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and contribute positively to team dynamics.
• English and Spanish, proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial.

Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.

This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.