Regional Produce Sourcing Senior Manager - Yuma

Description:

The Regional Produce Sourcing Manager – Yuma plays a critical role in expanding the Arizona Food Bank Network’s regional produce sourcing efforts across the Yuma, El Centro, and Calexico produce corridor. This position is responsible for securing donated fresh produce from cooling facilities, shippers, and brokers in the region and coordinating the rapid recovery and distribution of that product across Feeding America partner networks.

Based in Yuma, this role will lead to the development of new donor relationships while maintaining existing partnerships with produce industry stakeholders. The Regional Produce Sourcing Manager will oversee the recovery of stranded and surplus loads and coordinate logistics with multiple partners to ensure product moves quickly and efficiently to food banks.

This role manages a Yuma\-based CDL driver responsible for product recovery and transportation.

Operational coordination will occur across multiple networks. When product is sourced within Arizona, distribution will be coordinated through the Yuma Community Food Bank and the Southwest Produce Cooperative (SPC) logistics team. When product is sourced within California, distribution will be coordinated through the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) logistics team.

The position requires a self\-directed professional who can build strong relationships within the produce industry, respond quickly to sourcing opportunities, and coordinate logistics across multiple partners in a fast\-moving environment.

Successful candidates will value the Arizona Food Bank Network’s vision of a hunger\-free Arizona while supporting regional collaboration across the Feeding America network.

Key Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of the Arizona Food Bank Network
• Deep understanding of the fresh produce supply chain, including cooling facilities and distribution practices
• Ability to develop and maintain strong donor relationships within the produce industry
• Strong organizational, negotiation and problem\-solving skills

Ability to operate independently and respond quickly to time\-sensitive sourcing opportunities

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple organizations
• Ability to coordinate logistics and distribution across regional partners
• Ability to assess produce quality and determine appropriate distribution channels
• Computer literacy including data entry, reporting, and Excel
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast\-paced environment
• Strong customer service mindset when working with donors and partners

Primary Responsibilities:

Produce Sourcing

• Secure donated fresh produce from cooling facilities, shippers, and brokers across the Yuma, El Centro, and Calexico corridor
• Identify and recover stranded or surplus produce loads that would otherwise go to waste
• Build and maintain strong relationships with produce industry partners
• Conduct regular in\-person visits with cooling facilities and industry partners

Logistics Coordination

• Coordinate distribution of recovered produce with the appropriate logistics partners
• Work with the SPC logistics team for product sourced within Arizona
• Work with the CAFB logistics team for product sourced within California
• Coordinate transportation with the Yuma\-based CDL driver and regional freight partners
• Ensure recovered product moves quickly to reduce waste and maintain quality

Program Operations

• Supervise the Yuma\-based CDL driver
• Coordinate recovery schedules, transportation, and trailer positioning
• Assess produce quality and determine appropriate routing
• Maintain accurate donor records and sourcing data
• Generate reports and metrics related to sourcing activity and recovered pounds

Collaboration \& Communication

• Maintain regular communication with AzFBN sourcing and supply chain teams
• Participate in bi\-weekly operational coordination calls with partners
• Share market insights and produce availability with regional food bank partners
• Support transparency and collaboration across SPC and CAFB networks

Compliance \& Food Safety

• Ensure proper food safety handling and traceability procedures
• Maintain awareness of industry food safety standards and best practices
• Assist with recall procedures if needed

Industry Engagement

• Maintain awareness of produce industry trends, seasonal availability, and market conditions
• Represent the Arizona Food Bank Network professionally within the produce industry
• Ensure donor recognition and relationship stewardship

Additional Duties

• Provide coverage and operational support for the sourcing team as needed
• Support regional food sourcing initiatives and collaborative projects
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience, plus a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the fresh produce industry with preference for procurement and/or distribution.
• For insurance purposes, must be at least 21 years of age; possess a current and valid Arizona Driver License and a safe driving record and reliable personal vehicle.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Current Food Handling Certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to work occasionally outside of regular office hours and on weekends during peak produce season.
• Business computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting applications and logistics programs.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Knowledge of the Yuma Arizona and Imperial Valley California produce and agricultural industry; experience working in the Yuma community.
• Previous experience in food bank sourcing or logistics.
• Experience in business/account sales development and management.
• Knowledge of food safety and proper food storage and handling techniques.