Director of Procurement

Director of Procurement-Fresh Produce-Houston, Texas

We have been retained by a growing client in the Houston area to fill a new Director of Procurement due to an upcoming retirement. They are growing at a rapid rate and are looking for a leader to take over procurement for all fresh produce and packaging. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in the produce space managing a large spend across multiple produce items or strong exposure to multiple items.

The Director of Procurement is a strategic role at the heart of our operations, pivotal to ensuring the continuous supply of high-quality produce. This executive, who reports directly to the CEO, will lead our procurement strategy, overseeing the negotiation of contracts with fruit and vegetable suppliers, and ensuring compliance with PACA regulations and USDA inspections across all commodities. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in driving our commitment to delivering quality produce with good yields, focusing primarily on produce over consumables.

Key Responsibilities:

• · Lead the procurement team, setting strategic direction and objectives aligned with the company vision and growth goals.
• · Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers to secure the best terms, prices and geographic diversification while maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability.
• · Ensure rigorous compliance with PACA regulations, USDA inspections, and all relevant agricultural standards, fostering a culture of quality and safety.
• · Oversee procurement across all commodities (both fruit and vegetables), adapting strategies to market changes and supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted supply and optimal cost efficiency.
• · Collaborate closely with the Quality Control and Operations teams to ensure that procurement strategies support the delivery of high-quality produce with good yields.
• · Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, leveraging these partnerships to anticipate and mitigate risks to supply.
• · Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and systems, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• · Champion sustainability and ethical sourcing practices within the procurement function, aligning with the companies commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.

Qualifications:

• · Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.
• · Must have direct procurement experience in produce-Will not be considered without
• · Proven track record of successful contract negotiation and supplier management, particularly with fruit and vegetable suppliers.
• · Deep knowledge of PACA regulations, USDA inspections, and quality standards related to fresh produce.
• · Experience managing procurement for a wide range of commodities, including fruit (melons, mangos, citrus, etc.) and vegetables (greens, peppers, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, etc.)
• · Demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive strategic initiatives, and achieve results in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• · Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• · Strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.