Protein Buyer

Responsibilities

• Protein Buyer core functions revolve around developing, fostering, and growing relationships with protein vendors/food donors, brokers, and shippers. They are the “boots on the ground” and “experts in their field” for the associations F2F Program, providing visibility across the state for excess and cost effective protein opportunities. The Protein Buyer will work closely with the local food banks and act as advocates to increase their donations of protein and work with the F2F department to move any excess to CA Food Banks.  This work is immensely important in fighting hunger and reducing food waste. Protein Buyer act as liaisons, building bridges between donors, shippers, brokers, the agricultural industry, food banks, and California Food Banks™ to locate and secure protein year around.
• The Protein Buyer regularly communicates with donors, shippers, brokers, the agricultural industry, and food banks in the state to build and maintain positive working relationships. The Protein Buyer network broadly across the agricultural industry to develop new sources of protein and new donors.  A primary object of this role is to secure the volume of protein requested and keep the network advised of growing trends or issues that will impact the agricultural landscape.
• Under the direction of the Farm to Family Program staff, Protein Buyer responds to complaints and mediate issues as they arise. provide feedback, annual statistical data, and positive recognition to donors.

Qualifications

• Excellent people skills, ability to easily communicate in person, by phone, email, texting and ability to relate well to a wide variety of personalities
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with Farm to Family Program Director, staff and other Food Solicitors remotely on an as-needed basis
• Ability to work independently with strong personal drive and initiative, manage priorities, meet deadlines, solve problems, and accommodate flexible hours and schedules
• Knowledge of local protein industry, marketing, and distribution infrastructure
• Knowledge and familiarity with local producers and industry leaders, local food bank management
• Familiarity with the location of protein sources, operations headquarters, packers and other supporting infrastructure and food banks within assigned area
• Familiarity with agriculture/protein-related trade organizations, websites, social media sites. Ability to identify trends and project production cycles and levels
• Ability to network and possess confidence in making cold calls to develop new donors throughout the state
• Use of reasonable precautions in the performance of duty and to adhere to all safety rules and practices as dictated by association and donors when conducting field visits or on location
• Ability to work in the Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• License & Equipment
• Valid driver’s license and dependable, insured transportation
• Dependable equipment to receive and send email, text messages, generate or review electronic reports, and electronically submit monthly invoices for services provided
• Travel
• Must be willing to travel within assigned area.
• Infrequent overnight travel may be required