Summary:
Under the direction of the Farm Outreach Manager, the Procurement & Food Safety Coordinator supports GrowFood Carolina’s mission to strengthen South Carolina’s local food system by managing farmer relationships, coordinating produce procurement, and maintaining food safety compliance. This position serves as both a produce buyer and the food safety officer for the warehouse, ensuring all operations meet state and federal requirements while supporting small and mid-sized farmers to access wholesale markets.
Essential Functions:
Procurement & Grower Relations
- Collaborate with procurement team to send grower orders, create purchase orders, and assist with inventory management in our software system.
- Coordinate with partner growers to ensure consistent, high-quality supply of local produce for sales and distribution.
- Support the operations team in managing quality control systems, documenting product feedback, and ensuring clear communication with the sales team and growers to maintain consistent product quality and transparency.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with farmers through phone calls, farm visits, and in-person meetings.
- Cultivate new farm partners and identify opportunities to diversify product supply.
- Collaborate with the sales and operations teams to align procurement with seasonal demand, market trends, and annual crop planning goals.
- Provide guidance to growers on production planning, quality standards, and wholesale readiness.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Manage GrowFood Carolina’s Food Safety and Organic Program to ensure ongoing compliance with state, federal, and GAP Harmonized+ certification standards.
- Train warehouse staff on food safety and organic certification requirements.
- Oversee recordkeeping, audits, and documentation required for food safety and organic certifications.
- Coordinate with the Operations team to monitor sanitation logs, traceability systems, and handling procedures.
Outreach & Education
- Represents GrowFood Carolina at meetings, events, and partner engagements related to local agriculture and food systems.
- Partner with community organizations to deliver workshops and resources that help small farmers enter wholesale markets.
- Support GrowFood’s mission of increasing market access for local producers and strengthening South Carolina’s local food economy.
Other Duties
- Assist with data tracking, reporting, and program evaluation.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned.
Authorities:
- Acts as the point of contact for farmers regarding product availability, pricing, and purchase orders.
- Has authority to approve and maintain food safety records, process corrective actions, and staff training documentation.
- Recommends process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and compliance performance.
Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with farmers, partners, and internal teams.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation, especially in food safety and compliance tracking.
- Ability to manage multiple, complex projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and relevant food safety regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including small and mid-sized farm businesses.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify sourcing opportunities and resolve food safety or logistical issues.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management; experience with procurement or inventory software preferred.
- Commitment to the mission of strengthening South Carolina’s local food system.
Required Education and Experience:
- Associate degree in agriculture, food systems, supply chain management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in food systems, agriculture, food safety, or produce procurement.
- Working knowledge of food safety principles, farm operations, and compliance standards.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to farm and partner locations as needed.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, environmental science, or related discipline.
- Experience working with farmers and food hubs, cooperatives, or farm-to-market distribution networks.
- Familiarity with GAP Harmonized+ and organic certification processes.
Work Environment
The position operates in a professional office and warehouse environment located in Charleston, SC.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Travel
Some local and statewide travel may be occasionally required.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other duties may be required in the job as requested by the Supervisor.
Benefits
The Coastal Conservation League offers a competitive suite of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance, 403(b) retirement and generous paid time off policies.
Equal Opportunity
Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential component of the Conservation League’s commitment to advancing equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The Coastal Conservation League is an equal opportunity employer. The Conservation League does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need.
