Sourcing & Operations Associate

Position Overview

The Sourcing & Operations Associate reports to the Operations Manager of Mandela Produce

Distribution (MPD). The Associate provides operations and outreach support across MPD’s food

access programs, with a focus on supporting Wholesale and Fresh & Free. MPD is Mandela Partners’

community-based food hub in West Oakland, increasing access to local, sustainably grown produce

while supporting the economic success of small-scale BIPOC farmers. This role is approximately half

“behind-the-scenes” at our West Oakland food hub, assembling produce orders for customers, and

half in the community, representing Mandela Partners through produce pick-ups from farmers and

deliveries to organizational partners and local businesses.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Produce Order Pick Ups (20%)

• Travel to farmers' markets on Saturdays to pick up orders from farmers
• Review orders to ensure amounts and quality
• Bring orders to MPD’s warehouse for storage, separation, and order assembly

Produce Order Assembly (30%)

• Assemble orders for Wholesale customers and Fresh & Free program partners at MPD’s warehouse
• Provide comprehensive quality control and attention to detail, ensuring fulfillment accuracy

Produce Order Delivery (20%)

• Deliver produce orders to businesses and organizations across Alameda County
• Engage with customers and partners in a positive and professional manner
• Provide timely and thorough communication of order issues, customer feedback, and other key information to the MPD team

Support Wholesale Outreach & Business Development (15%)

• With close support from the General Manager of Mandela Produce Distribution, conduct research and outreach to prospective wholesale customer partners
• Support coordinator with planning & preparation for outreach, including assisting with updating and collecting materials
• Represent MPD at outreach events and in person at prospective customer businesses

Warehouse Operations (15%)

• Contribute to the safe, clean, and efficient operations of the warehouse by ensuring consistent implementation of the Warehouse Food Safety and Operations Manual and Standard Operating Procedures
• Provide coverage for absent team members as needed in produce sourcing/receiving, order coordination, assembly, and fulfillment
• Support with other duties as needed

To Be Successful in this Role, You Have:

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Mandela Partners
• Enthusiasm for and comfort with working with people of diverse backgrounds
• Openness to giving and receiving feedback, with a learning orientation and growth mentality
• Comfort with navigating disagreement or conflict with care and diplomacy
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Comfort working in a warehouse environment, lifting/carrying 50 pounds with or without assistance, and spending up to 6 hours per day on your feet
• A valid driver's US license and clean driving record
• A collaborative team-orientation, with the ability to complete tasks independently
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to excellence in your work

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual Spanish speaker a plus, but not required.
• Experience driving a cargo van (or willingness to learn; training to be provided)
• Existing knowledge of local produce or enthusiasm to learn
• Experience with business development and sales
• Experience conducting outreach and representing a mission-driven organization to the public at events

Schedule & Location

This position is primarily on-site at our food hub warehouse in West Oakland. Up to 8 hours of work

on Saturdays is required to visit farmers' markets.

Full-time with a maximum of 40 work hours per week, $30/hr. This position is classified as

non-exempt and therefore is eligible for overtime pay.

Benefits include sick time, vacation time, and holiday pay, prorated based upon the percentage of

full-time employment worked, and in accordance with California state law.

Mandela Partners also provides unique benefits that support work-life balance and professional

growth. Our offices close for a week in June in observance of Juneteenth and at the end of the year.

All staff receive a professional development stipend, are invited to a weekly paid team lunch on

Thursdays, and have access to at-cost pricing on wholesale produce, as well as a 50% discount on

weekly produce boxes.