Food Sourcing Coordinator

Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego rescues surplus food from local and national food donors before it goes to waste and gets it to people facing hunger in San Diego County. It is the only Feeding America partner food bank in the region.

Feeding San Diego is dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse county we serve, including those with varying backgrounds and life experiences. Applicants who strengthen our team through personal knowledge of poverty and food insecurity, as well as members of marginalized groups, are encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Food Sourcing Coordinator will assist with the procurement and delivery of 18 million pounds of food annually to Feeding San Diego’s distribution center. Food donors such as manufacturers, packing houses, farmers and brokers help to support FSD’s overall mission of ending hunger through food rescue. Our Food Sourcing team is in search of a dedicated individual energized by challenges and driven to exceed goals. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities, and has a creative approach to identifying new food donation sources. The ideal candidate will be equally strong at working independently and collaboratively as part of a team. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and responsibilities are those considered to be essential but do not represent all the job functions that may be required to be performed by this position.  Other comparable duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.  Occasional evening or weekend work is required as a condition of employment.

• Provides professional, responsive and appreciative customer service to all food donors
• Independently and proactively identifies new food donor prospects
• Conducts regular face-to-face visits and virtual meetings with current and prospective donors to maintain a good relationship, resolve any issues, recommend additional culturally appropriate and nutritious product assortments, respectfully educate and ensure food donation best practices are followed
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date data in multiple platforms, such as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management); regularly generates and analyzes reports
  • Engages in donor stewardship to demonstrate appreciation and promote retention
  • Leverages historical data to analyze trends, performance and engagement strategies
  • Sources high-quality, nutritious food donations that align with Feeding San Diego’s nutrition guidelines
  • Identifies opportunities for food purchases to supplement donated food supplies
  • Actively engages with other Feeding America members and other hunger relief organizations to learn and share donation opportunities
  • Provides administrative support for food sourcing related functions as needed (purchase orders, data entry, scheduling appointments, filing)
  • Represents FSD at food industry events including trade shows, association meetings, and network conferences

INTERACTION

This position is a member of the supply chain department and will interact closely with employees from the warehouse, finance, and programs departments, as well as community partners including donors, vendors, and representatives from other food banks.

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree (minimum) or bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or Agricultural Business (preferred)
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience with competing priorities, deadlines and multi-tasking; strong customer-service skills, and a passion for serving others; experience in the food service industry, outside sales, or sales account management is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Must live in San Diego County
• Exceptional written and oral communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
• Demonstrates good judgment and attention to detail
• Ability to quickly resolve conflict using tact, sensitivity, and discretion
• Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills
• Professional demeanor with an aptitude for analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Responsible, well organized, and demonstrated initiative
• Excellent customer service skills: in-person, virtually, and on the phone
• Experience in data entry, collection, and analysis 
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; follow through on tasks with minimal supervision
• Passion for and commitment to Feeding San Diego’s mission to alleviate hunger and food insecurity
• Conversant in Spanish

Preferred:

• Knowledge of nonprofit organizational practices
• Experience working in customer relationship management platforms, preferably Salesforce and/or Smartsheet (project management)
• Knowledge of local food system
• Food handler’s safety certificate (can obtain once hired)
• Fluent in Spanish

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Laptop, multi-line phone, copier, and printer.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Must have reliable transportation and possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, including proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and insurability under the Agency’s insurance carrier standards.

ServSafe Certification required. This must be obtained within the first 3 months of employment; training will be provided.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Travel to and tour locations throughout San Diego County using personal and company automobile
• Performs work in an office and warehouse space housing warehouse operations, which may occasionally create an exposure to dust and pollen
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods, walk, bend at the waist and knees, kneel and use hands, arms and legs for dexterity, balance and climb stairs frequently. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods
• May lift, carry and balance objects weighing up to 30 pounds
• Pulls and pushes such objects as file drawers and supplies
• Prioritizes and multi-tasks work and projects requiring good memory, concentration and analytical thinking
• Occasionally it is required to perform the safe operation office equipment and machines, and recognize and abate safety hazards within the workplace
• Must be able to hear, see including peripheral vision and distinction of colors, read and communicate verbally and in writing frequently with a wide range of people from divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and origins
• The noise level in the work environment varies and can be considered moderate

Feeding San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

PAY & HOURS

$23 - $25 per hour

Monday - Friday, Hybrid

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Employer sponsored healthcare benefits at platinum level for medical
• 401K retirement plan with company matching
• Flexible work environment; Attractive, welcoming office
• Supportive time off policies including vacation, sick, & company holidays; accrue 20 days of PTO in first year
• Learning & development and recognition programs
• Your work has a real purpose and will help change lives in San Diego County.
• Supportive and engaged Board of Directors
• You’ll be part of a fun, supportive team that works hard and celebrates accomplishments together.
• We live by our core values: Agility, Stewardship, Collaboration, Environment, Nutrition & Dignity.
• 100% of our workforce believes in our mission and vision
• Commitment to Sustainability – We prioritize food rescue to feed people not landfills. Food waste goes to local hog farms.