Value Chain Assistant Manager

About Growing Places

Growing Places is a nonprofit 501(c)3 serving the 27 communities of NCMA since 2001. To create an equitable, accessible, sustainable local food system, Growing Places and our partners have been laying the foundation for a Regional Food Center during the past five years. The Regional Food Center connects NCMA’s local agricultural assets with the community through aggregation, processing and distribution. The Value Chain Assistant Manager position is critical to realizing the potential that the Regional Food Center has to transform the wellbeing and economic resilience of NCMA.

Position Description

The Value Chain Assistant Manager is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Value Chain Operations Manager. This critical organizational position is responsible for managing aggregation and distribution activities for the organization at its three NCMA food storage and distribution locations. Key tasks include: inventory coordination, quality control, wholesale deliveries, and farm pickups. This position will work in close coordination with the Community Nutrition Specialist, Distribution Administrator, Youth Engagement Manager, and Processing Center staff. They directly supervise Distribution Drivers.

Position Responsibilities

Aggregation

·       Pick up product from MA farms using Growing Places vehicles according to a pre-established route

·       Receive incoming product, upholding standard operating procedures (SOPs)

·       Maintain all aspects of purchasing platforms from product availability to delivery

·       Maintain accurate inventory using inventory management software and associated tools (barcode scanners, labels, etc.)

·       Manage product and supplies inventory according to SOPs to ensure highest quality standards and operational effectiveness

·       Supply regular automated inventory reports to the Value Chain Operations Manager and senior management to inform ordering, decision-making and sustainability of the regional value chain

·        Collaborate with the Processing Center team to promote product sustainability and reduce waste

·        Implement best practices in inventory control and provide and document training to staff   

·        Attend related farmer trainings, meetings and events as required

Food Safety and Sanitation 

• Preserve a safe and clean work environment by ensuring all food-related workspaces, equipment, and vehicles are clean and organized 

• Meet and exceed all sanitation and food safety standards for each product that moves through food-related workspaces

• Ensure proper documentation of all food safety information/tracking according to Growing Places aggregation, storage and distribution SOPs and preventive controls

• Provide and document regular training for staff and volunteers on food safety procedures and policies  

 Distribution  

• Prepare daily instructions for the Distribution Packing Team, including printed customer tickets, route lists, and first-use product notes, to ensure a smooth daily packing shift

• Work with the Distribution Administrator and Community Nutrition Specialist to ensure the highest quality customer service 

• Ensure seamless, efficient and safe delivery of product to Growing Places’ wholesale customers and partner organizations using Growing Places’ vehicles

• Supervise Growing Places’ dedicated Distribution Drivers  

 Other 

• Oversee the safe use and working condition of all equipment related to the food value chain, including distribution vehicles  

• Drive non-wholesale distribution routes when needed  

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities, skills and experience: 

• Passion for the local food system and North Central MA community 
• Proven experience in food aggregation and/or distribution
• Supervisory experience, minimum 3 years

• Strong understanding of inventory management principles and practices
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality control standards; ServSafe and Allergen Certified 

• Ability to work in fast-paced and team-based context  

• Ability to work with and include team members and volunteers of all ability levels  

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks  

• Proficient use of Internet and Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook, and warehouse/inventory management software 

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. without assistance, work outside in all weather conditions for several hours, and safely operate delivery vehicles; experience driving a small box truck preferred 

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record 

• Monday-Friday, with weekend and weeknight flexibility 

This position is year-round and full-time exempt with benefits according to Growing Places policies.

Salary: starting at $50,000 commensurate with experience