Farm Purchasing Coordinator

Job Summary

The Farm Purchasing Coordinator is responsible for managing the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services necessary for the efficient operation of the farm. This role involves coordinating with suppliers, negotiating contracts, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring that all purchases meet the farm's quality standards and budgetary constraints.

Requirements

• Identify and source high-quality products and services needed for farm operations, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, and other agricultural supplies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to ensure cost-effective purchases.
• Maintain inventory levels to ensure adequate stock without over-purchasing.
• Implement inventory tracking systems to forecast future purchasing needs based on historical data and current demand.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies.
• Develop and manage the purchasing budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and constraints.
• Track and report on purchasing expenditures and savings.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality.
• Ensure all purchased products meet the farm’s quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to maintain high standards.
• Address any issues related to product quality or delivery delays promptly.
• Cook up and manage the return or exchange of defective or incorrect items.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information.
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, including cost analysis and supplier performance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations related to procurement.
• Collaborate with other departments to understand their purchasing needs and provide support.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in an agricultural setting.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to analyze market trends and supplier performance.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in an office environment with frequent interaction and coordination with farm operations, warehouses, production facilities, and storage areas.
• Regular visits to farm fields, packinghouses, and agricultural facilities to verify inventory, inspect products, and coordinate deliveries.
• Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, sunlight, dust, and uneven terrain during farm visits.
• May be exposed to agricultural equipment, machinery, forklifts, moving vehicles, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farming materials while following all required safety procedures.
• Frequent interaction with suppliers, vendors, transportation providers, and internal departments.
• Occasional work in refrigerated storage areas or warehouses when inspecting inventory or coordinating deliveries.
• Requires occasional work in early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, as needed to support seasonal purchasing demands and farm operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based purchasing, reporting, and administrative tasks.
• Frequently stand and walk throughout office, warehouse, and farm environments.
• Ability to travel between office, storage facilities, production areas, and farm locations throughout the workday.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach while inspecting inventory or reviewing stored materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds occasionally (such as samples, office supplies, or inventory items).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, handling paperwork, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone with vendors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to read detailed reports, contracts, inventory records, and computer screens.
• Ability to safely navigate warehouses, farm fields, loading areas, and uneven outdoor terrain while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.

Company Benefits/Perks

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)