Sourcing & Supply Chain Director

AI overview

Lead the strategic direction of fresh produce procurement and supply chain operations, enhancing sourcing and vendor relations for optimal growth.

Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑 

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

 With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

 We’re looking for a Sourcing & Supply Chain Director to join our team in Oxnard, California

Job Summary

Reporting to the President/CEO, The Sourcing & Supply Chain Director is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction and execution of the company's fresh produce procurement and supply chain operations. This role will lead sourcing initiatives, develop and manage relationships with domestic and international growers, suppliers, and logistical partners, and drive performance across the sourcing, procurement, and supply chain functions to support the company’s growth and operational goals.

This position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional communication and negotiation skills who can drive innovation and efficiency across the sourcing and supply chain pipeline. The Director will be instrumental in expanding the company’s sourcing footprint, particularly with a focus on growing export volumes, improving vendor relations, and optimizing cost-effectiveness and supply continuity.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with company objectives, with a focus on cost reduction, operational efficiency, scalability, and risk management.
  • Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process in collaboration with sales and operations leadership, providing a clear and concise mid-term view of demand, inventory, and supply performance.
  • Drive continuous improvement in sourcing and supply chain practices by using data-driven decision-making and scenario planning.
  • Oversee demand forecasting by analyzing multiple inputs including sales pipeline, historical trends, backlogs, product lifecycle stages (launches/retirements), and promotions.
  • Manage the integrated demand planning process with stakeholders from sales, marketing, operations, and project management to ensure accurate forecasts.
  • Execute and manage the company’s purchasing strategies, tracking key metrics to reduce costs and enhance performance.
  • Lead procurement efforts including vendor selection, contract negotiation, performance management, and compliance.
  • Perform cost analysis, scenario modeling, and market benchmarking to ensure competitive and value-driven procurement.
  • Assist in developing procurement methodologies aimed at expanding volume acquisition from large-scale growers and commodity brokers.
  • Promote and cultivate strong relationships with existing and prospective produce suppliers to enhance supply reliability and partnership value.
  • Maintain and grow collaborative partnerships with major provider accounts, including domestic and international vendors.
  • Craft and execute negotiation strategies that secure favorable terms and long-term value for the company.
  • Ensure clear documentation of stakeholder requirements and expectations to align vendor performance with company needs.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives to optimize supply chain processes from sourcing through delivery.
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure supply chain alignment with production, logistics, and customer delivery expectations.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in fresh produce, including direct buying and selling of vegetables; retail produce experience preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Agriculture, Food Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related discipline is preferred.
  • Proven background in sales, marketing, or procurement roles within the agriculture, produce, or food distribution sectors.
  • Strong understanding of agricultural supply chains, vendor development, and commodity-based procurement.
  • Experience in managing sourcing operations, including contract negotiations, demand forecasting, and supplier relationship management.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze market trends, pricing models, and volume planning for fresh produce.
  • Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills to engage with internal teams and external partners.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills, with attention to detail and accountability for results.
  • Proficiency in supply chain systems and tools (ERP, demand planning platforms, procurement databases).

Benefits

What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?

  • We offer 8 paid holidays.
  • Floating Holidays.
  • Health Insurance; Medical, Dental, and Vision at 100% coverage.
  • Life Insurance.
  • 401K and company matching.
  • Paid Vacation.
  • Paid Sick Time.  

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.

Perks & Benefits Extracted with AI

  • Health Insurance: Health Insurance; Medical, Dental, and Vision at 100% coverage.
  • 401K with matching: 401K and company matching.
  • Paid Time Off: Paid Sick Time.

Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑 Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts, and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

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