SOURCING LEAD, SUPPLY CHAIN

Position Summary

The Sourcing Lead, Supply Chain & Compliance is a specialized role responsible for managing vendor compliance for all suppliers (including harvest-to-order producers), optimizing non-harvest inventory procurement, and ensuring year-round product availability. This position maintains comprehensive compliance systems for 50+ vendors (and growing) including farms, distributors, and specialty suppliers, ensuring all meet GrowNYC's quality, safety, and sustainability standards. The Sourcing Lead manages procurement of dry goods, pantry items, and fill-in produce, while complementing the Harvest-to-Order Lead by maintaining all producer compliance documentation. This role requires independent judgment in vendor assessment, supply chain problem-solving, and managing multi-tier supplier relationships while processing purchase orders and maintaining confidential vendor records.

Responsibilities

• Maintain comprehensive compliance database for ALL vendors including harvest-to-order farms, distributors, and specialty suppliers, ensuring all 50+ vendors meet requirements of GrowNYC's Approved Supplier Program
• Manage procurement of all non-harvest inventory including dry goods, pantry items, dairy, proteins, and prepared foods, while sourcing fill-in produce from distributors during gaps in harvest-to-order availability
• Ensure all vendors maintain current certifications including GAP, organic, food safety, and insurance documentation, conducting quarterly compliance audits to verify adherence to standards
• Create and submit purchase orders for inventory products, managing reorder points and stock levels while coordinating with warehouse team to optimize inventory turnover
• Provide backup coverage for Sourcing Lead, Harvest To Order during absences or peak season periods, cross-training on harvest-to-order processes to ensure continuity of operations
• Process vendor purchase orders exceeding $10,000 for harvest-to-order commitments, managing documentation and payment schedules, maintain confidential vendor financial information including W-9s and banking details, and track payment status across all suppliers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Agriculture, or related field (relevant experience may substitute)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or vendor compliance
• Experience with food safety regulations, organic certification, and agricultural compliance standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts
• Experience processing purchase orders and managing confidential financial information
• Proficiency in ERP systems, spreadsheet applications, and database management - experience with Airtable is a plus
• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple compliance deadlines and documentation requirements
• Excellent communication skills for vendor negotiations and cross-functional collaboration

Ideal Qualifications

• Professional certification in procurement (CPSM, CPIM) or supply chain management
• Experience with food distribution or agricultural supply chains
• Knowledge of Northeast regional food systems and seasonal availability
• Familiarity with harvest-to-order procurement models and farm production planning
• Familiarity with USDA procurement programs and institutional food service
• Experience with Netsuite or similar ERP systems
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills
• Understanding of sustainable and values-based procurement practices
• Driver's license with driving record required to fulfill job duties

Schedule

• Hybrid position with flexibility for remote work: 3 days at GrowNYC's Bronx Food Hub for vendor meetings and operations coordination; 2 days remote for compliance documentation and vendor communication
• Occasional vendor site visits for audits and relationship management
• Standard schedule is Monday-Friday, with seasonal variations based on harvest schedules
• Position may require 6am starts during peak harvest periods
• Full-time and year-round with an expected weekly workload of 35-40 hours per week with a 1 hour unpaid meal break each work day

Compensation

• Non-exempt, salaried position paying $62,000-$70,000 annually
• Full benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, incentive savings plan, paid time off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, FSA programs, and potential for parental leave for full-time regular employees who have been employed with GrowNYC for 175 days
• Not union eligible / not part of the bargaining unit

Location

Hybrid role including 3 days at GrowNYC's Bronx Food Hub and 2 days field/remote for farm visits and production planning. Regular travel to farms throughout the Northeast region required.