Sourcing Manager

Founded in 2010, Harmless Harvest is a progressive food and beverage initiative set to demonstrate that ecosystem-based business can outcompete the conventional model. The company sources 100% raw and organic ingredients from local farmers around the world, and it seeks to make agroforestry a social business that creates positive feedback loops between people and plants 

By integrating the long term welfare of all its stakeholders - from plant to customer - Harmless Harvest has taken the food and beverage world by storm- rising to the top of the industry in record time. In 2011, we introduced the world's first sustainably harvested, 100% raw, organic coconut water and are now one of the leaders of the category nationwide, and will soon launch a pioneering line of raw teas this summer.

Combining innovative scientific methods with local traditional knowledge, such as agroforestry, Harmless Harvest develops and manufactures products that actually deliver the nutritional and ethical integrity that others only promise. By asserting tangible economic value to threatened ecosystems, Harmless Harvest protects these areas and their traditions.

With a marketing budget of $0, we are quickly elevating expectations for product quality by focusing the resources on the product not the promotion. Having grown exponentially in the last two years, we are consistently seeking to expand our team of passionate, driven entrepreneurs.

With a wonderfully dynamic but casual atmosphere, Harmless Harvest is composed of eclectic, hard-working, passionate individuals focused on the uniting mission of positive global consumerism. Believing that better products can benefit the plants and people at the source as much as the people that purchase them, team members are driven to create innovative forces within the company and the beverage industry as a whole.

Position Overview:

Harmless Harvest offers a unique opportunity for a values driven buyer to impact the global market from farming to shelf (including packaging and logistics), to develop practices that contribute to more sustainable production.

This position is located in our San Francisco headquarters. Applicants must live in the San Francisco Bay Area to be considered.

This position involves dealing with complex business conditions due to the need for complete knowledge of our product line and a thorough understanding of the business environment.

Strong personal investment is required, as well as occasional travel. This high degree of flexibility is necessary due to the varied customer base and market driven changes.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Source organic products globally, develop creative packaging solutions per Product Development team requirements, all within planning and budget constants.
• Develop, conduct and manage RFP's to improve pricing, supply chain, sustainability, quality and shelf life.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, brokers and third-party suppliers to ensure pricing, quality and legal compliance, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.
• Make purchasing and inventory decisions regarding price, seasonality or unusual market conditions.
• Deliver gross margin and inventory targets through cost savings initiatives and adequate supply.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Product Development and Operations teams to develop cost effective solutions and efficiencies.
• Track service performance from suppliers and follow up with invoicing.
• Develop and implement sourcing and purchasing policies.
• Perform other special duties as assigned by Supply Chain Manager. 

Qualifications & Experiences:

• 3-5+ years sourcing/buying experience, including negotiating and purchasing of raw materials.
• BS/BA in Business Administration, Supply Chain and/or Finance or a related major required. MBA and/or Supply Chain related certifications are a plus.
• Excellent negotiating and contracting skills.
• Demonstrated experience in Sourcing & Product selection.
• Experience with Food and Beverage industry required, with organic and limited shelf-life products a plus.
• Proven ability to handle co-packer relationships preferred but not required.
• Passionate and high-energy individual who wants to develop in a fast-growing startup.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem solving and risk taking skills.
• Deadline oriented with ability to organize assignments, set priorities and carry out plans.
• Project management capacity.
• Excellent Excel skills.  
• Proven ability to develop direct reports.
• Foreign language skills preferred, French a plus.

To Apply:

Please utilize the email address provided below to submit you resume and a cover letter.  

The Interview process will include negotiation and communication tests, as well as writing samples and case study analysis.