Procurement Manager

POSITION TITLE: Procurement Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Operations

LOCATIONS:

Office: Philadelphia, PA (hybrid/remote – some onsite work required)

Warehouse: Swedesboro, NJ (some onsite work required)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ORGANIZATION

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative (MARC), based in Philadelphia, acquires and distributes fresh produce and other grocery items to its Feeding America member food banks in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The cooperative's mission is to help its member food banks fight hunger in their communities by supplying foods high in quality, variety, nutrition, and value. The MARC operates under Feeding Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania-based 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Website: https://marcproduce.org/

JOB SUMMARY

The Procurement Manager has the primary role of ensuring a robust and reliable supply of fresh produce items for our Feeding America member food banks. This position is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels to meet weekly orders while also creating a diverse range of mixed produce boxes and pallets. The Procurement Manager will strategically plan and negotiate all produce purchases in alignment with the preferences and budgetary constraints of member food banks, leveraging strong vendor relationships and market insights.

In addition to sourcing high-quality products, the Procurement Manager will actively communicate with vendors to explore surplus opportunities, employing a customer-focused approach to enhance the nutritional offerings available to underserved communities. Regular evaluations of inventory integrity will ensure that only the freshest, highest-quality produce is distributed. The role also involves maximizing product shelf life through effective inbound scheduling and fulfillment practices.

As the on-call authority for any quality disputes, the Procurement Manager will address rejections and manage logistics efficiently, arranging transportation for inbound and direct shipments as needed. Conducting on-site inspections of potential donations and maintaining accurate records of purchase orders in MARC’s shared database are essential tasks. The ability to generate weekly price lists and support the warehouse operations further underscores the importance of this role.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills to develop reports and presentations on produce operations and will assist with special projects and grant writing as needed. By embodying MARC’s commitment to alleviating hunger, the Procurement Manager contributes significantly to the operational success of MARC and the vital work of its member food banks, all while delivering exceptional customer service and fostering collaborative relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• This is a hybrid position and offers some remote work. The position requires employees to work from the office and/or warehouse locations 3 days per week or as determined by the MARC’s management.
• Plan and negotiate all purchases of produce to align with the preferences and budgetary parameters of the MARC’s member food banks
• Maintain adequate inventory levels to fulfill weekly orders, to create the production of mixed produce boxes, and the production of mixed produce pallets
• Regularly communicate with vendors to source, market, and distribute surplus produce opportunities to MARC members and the greater Feeding America network
• Regularly evaluate the integrity of on hand inventory at the MARC warehouse
• Maximize the quality and shelf life of produce distributed to MARC members by optimizing inbound scheduling and fulfillment protocols
• Serve as the on-call authority for any potential rejections and quality disputes for produce delivered to the MARC warehouse or other receiving entities
• Perform on-site inspections of donation opportunities available at nearby facilities
• Maintain accurate records of purchase orders in the MARC’s shared database
• Generate the MARC’s weekly price list for circulation to its member food banks
• Distribute receiving paperwork to the MARC’s warehouse team
• Arrange transportation for inbound and direct shipments as needed
• Develop reports and presentations on produce operations as needed.
• Assist with special projects, grant writing, presentations and reports as requested.
• Provide a high level of customer service to member food banks on operational matters.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, and Training

• High School Diploma or GED is required; an associate’s degree in business, retail management, food distribution or a related field is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience working in a produce environment strongly preferred
• 3+ years with purchasing produce responsibility strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to understand and organize detailed, time‑sensitive information.
• Ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Mathematically sound.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Customer-focused approach to providing services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and familiarity with NetSuite or similar ERP systems.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the produce industry, logistics, or food distribution is highly preferred.

Desired Attributes

• Self-starter with the ability to work on a wide range of tasks and be able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong sense of urgency.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive cooperative objectives.
• Customer service-oriented and solutions-driven.
• Flexible, open-minded, proactive, resourceful, organized, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and able to adapt to a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Exercises good judgment and discretion, strong ethical character.
• Committed to the mission of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative and enthusiastic about supporting the MARC’s member food banks.