Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThis role is responsible for planning, purchasing, managing, and optimizing the fiber and packaging materials needed by growers to harvest crops, pack products, and deliver produce to Coke Farm for sale. This role ensures materials are available at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the appropriate cost to support grower needs, operational efficiency, food safety, customer requirements, and company profitability. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, takes ownership of processes, and proactively troubleshoots inventory-related issues.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesInventory Forecasting & Procurement- Partner with the Grower Procurement Liaison Department to review forecasts, analyze inventory trends, and determine material requirements for boxes, twist ties, rubber bands, corner boards, labels, and related harvest supplies.
- Place orders based on forecasted demand, historical usage trends, and grower packing and delivery needs while monitoring inventory levels to ensure adequate supply and minimize excess inventory.
- Maintain and utilize spreadsheets and formulas to generate accurate order recommendations and coordinate material availability for harvest timing and product delivery schedules.
Inventory Analysis & Auditing- Conduct inventory audits and reconciliations utilizing reports provided by the Inventory Lead; identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Develop and maintain analytical tools, reports, and spreadsheets to support inventory management decisions and update weekly supplier inventory reports in the master packaging spreadsheet.
Pricing & Vendor Management- Negotiate pricing and terms with fiber and packaging suppliers to control costs while maintaining quality and availability standards; build and maintain strong working relationships with vendors.
Inventory Optimization & Cross-Functional Support- Collaborate with Sales, Grower Procurement, Operations, Marketing, and Food Safety teams to identify aged or excess inventory, support inventory reduction initiatives, and ensure packaging materials meet quality standards and regulatory requirements including SB 540.
- Enter supplier invoices into Shippers to support full visibility of the materials process and coordinate packaging artwork changes with internal teams and external partners.
Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement- Take full ownership of the fiber materials planning and procurement process from forecasting through final product delivery support; identify and resolve inventory-related issues and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.
- Stay informed on new packaging technologies, sustainable materials, and industry developments that may improve cost, quality, or environmental impact.
Work EnvironmentThis position operates in a professional office environment with regular interaction across warehouse, inventory, purchasing, operations, and grower-facing settings. The role may require occasional time in warehouse or field-related environments and may involve adapting to seasonal business demands, harvest schedules, and changing operational priorities.
QualificationsQualifications- Bachelor's degree focused in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, Finance, or related field preferred.
- 3+ years of agriculture inventory planning experience, procurement, purchasing, supply chain, agriculture, packaging, grower support, or related functions.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, data analysis, and reporting.
- Experience with inventory management systems and forecasting tools preferred.
- Knowledge of agricultural harvest materials, produce packaging, grower operations, or food distribution environments preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Key Competencies- Analytical Thinking
- Crop Forecasting & Fiber Demand Planning
- Inventory Management
- Procurement & Purchasing
- Negotiation Skills
- Process Improvement
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Ownership & Accountability
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Grower Support & Service Orientation
- Financial Acumen
- Data Analysis & Reporting
Additional InformationPlease note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.
