Protein and Dairy Sourcing Manager

Location: Remote within Southeast States

Reports To: Senior Manager of Sourcing and Operations

Position Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $70-$80K

The Southeast Regional Cooperative (SERC) is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) and proud partner of Feeding America. We work to bridge the gap between the agribusiness industry and the fight against food insecurity. As a member-led organization, we facilitate produce donations and strategic purchasing to ensure a consistent supply of fresh, high-quality food for food banks and nonprofits throughout the Southeast. We focus on increasing the purchasing power of our partners by reducing acquisition costs and providing a reliable market for growers, distributors, and other supply chain participants. Governed by principles of equity and transparency, SERC is dedicated to serving our members’ interests and improving the variety and freshness of food available to the communities we serve.

The Protein & Dairy Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and executing the food procurement strategy focused on securing high-quality meat, poultry, egg, and dairy products. This role acts as the primary liaison between farmers, producers, dairy processors, and the SERC, fostering relationships to increase donations and cost-effective purchases. The goal is to ensure a consistent, nutritious supply of protein and dairy products to feed individuals facing food insecurity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Relationship Management & Sourcing: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with farmers, livestock producers, dairy processors, and manufacturers to secure food donations and purchased products.
• Procurement Strategy: Develop and implement strategies to increase the annual volume and frequency of protein and dairy donations.
• Direct-from-Farm Coordination: Work directly with local farmers to identify surplus, irregular-grade, or excess inventory that can be donated or purchased for food bank distribution.
• Logistics Coordination: Collaborate with operations and logistics to arrange timely pickups and deliveries of products, optimizing transport for perishable goods.
• Quality & Safety Compliance: Ensure all sourced products meet food safety standards and regulatory requirements (USDA, FDA, Food Safety Modernization Act), particularly regarding cold chain management.
• Data Management: Use internal database systems (e.g., Fusionware, MealConnect) to offer product and track donor activity, inventory levels, and pounds of food secured.
• Sustainability Goal Alignment: Focus on providing nutritious, high-protein, and dairy-rich foods (essential for client health) to non-profit partners in the Southeast and greater Feeding America Network.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, Supply Chain Management, Food Science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in food sourcing, procurement, agricultural industry sales.
• Expertise: Deep knowledge of the protein and dairy supply chain, including livestock, dairy processing, and cold storage logistics.
• Mission-Driven: Strong commitment to hunger relief and the mission of the Southeast Regional Cooperative.

Skills

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and inventory software.
• Strong analytical skills to track trends, volumes, and budgetary requirements.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to travel within the region to visit farms and processing facilities. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Why work with us

The Southeast Regional Cooperative offers a meaningful work environment where your sourcing efforts directly contribute to filling nutrient gaps for thousands of families. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive culture focused on teamwork and innovation.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Denise Sheehan, Senior Director of Operations – denise.sheehan@seregcoop.org

401K, Health Benefits