Raw Fruit Account Manager

Planet Group (United States); Selah (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Group seeks a Raw Fruit Account Manager to procure fruit from growers and packers, supporting production needs and sourcing strategies. The role builds strong relationships with suppliers and ensures commitments are met while coordinating with Logistics and Production Planning to align fruit supply with plant requirements.

The position requires 3+ years in procurement or supply chain, a BA/BS preferred, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in agriculture, horticulture, business or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years in procurement, supply chain or operations.
• Driver's license from state of residency required.
• Washington produce buyer's license preferred.
• SQF and GAP certification knowledge preferred.
• General understanding of the fruit industry and handling practices.
• Inventory management principles and perishable product knowledge.
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage packer and supplier relationships, including availability, inventory, pricing, and commitments.
• Coordinate with Logistics and Production Planning on fruit movement and pack schedules.
• Ensure food safety documentation is complete and current.
• Interact with growers on contracts, cash purchases, timing, and payments.
• Address issues proactively to ensure timely resolution and maintain quality.

Skills

Procurement

Supply chain

Inventory management

Relationship building

Problem solving

Industry knowledge

Education

BA/BS in agriculture or related field

Tools

Tree Top systems

Food safety documentation systems

Job description

A Raw Fruit Account Manager

responsible forprocuring fruit from growers and packers to support company production needs and sourcing strategies. The position builds solid relationships with growers, packers, and suppliers while holding them responsible for commitments and expectations. This role works closely with Logistics and Production Planning to coordinate fruit supply, movement, and plant needs. The Raw Fruit Account Manager is expected to work independently, take initiative, identify and address issues proactively, and drive issues through resolution.

Required:

• A BA/BS degree in agriculture, horticulture, business or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or operations, preferably in an agricultural, food manufacturing, or business environment.
• Driver's license from state of residency is required.
• Washington produce buyer's license is preferred.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of SQF and GAP certification is preferred.
• General understanding of the fruit industry, packhouse procedures, and fruit handling practices.
• Principles and practices of inventory management.
• Broad knowledge of the agricultural business and the cycles/seasons that affect the market.
• Principles and practices of supply chain, related to perishable food items.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Frequently works in outdoors, manufacturing/plant, or cold storage environments and occasionally has exposures to an office environment

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage assigned packer and supplier relationships, including fruit availability, inventory, quality, pricing, specifications, and execution against commitments. Proactively address performance issues and hold suppliers responsible while maintaining strong working relationships. Ensure Food Safety Documentation from packers is complete and current in the Tree Top systems.
• Manage grower procurement activities including orchard run diversions, contracts, and cash purchases. Coordinate bin requirements, transportation, tagging, harvest timing, estimated volumes, food safety documentation, and payment accuracy. Maintain regular communication with growers to ensure commitments are met and issues are addressed timely.
• Work closely with Logistics and Production Planning to coordinate fruit availability, movement, pack schedules, inventory, and plant requirements. Monitor execution against sourcing strategies and supplier commitments. Proactively address issues that could impact fruit supply or production and follow through to ensure timely resolution.
• Attend and actively participate in state and or local committees relevant to the company, representing the company professionally while building strong relationships with industry stakeholders. Contribute to discussions on fruit supply, production planning, product mix, and pricing strategies.
• Interact with administration, scale house personnel and production personnel on specific orders to validate pay rates, grades, weights and quality issues. This is a critical step that must be done timely to ensure accurate payment.