Entry Level Organic Farming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Farm Purchasing Coordinator

Reports to: Farm Purchasing Manager

Location: Delray Beach, FL 

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Non-Exempt

As an agricultural employee, you are exempt from overtime provisions according to the Federal Wage Laws.

COMPANY SUMMARY

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Farm Purchasing Coordinator is an entry-level role with the opportunity for growth. This role is responsible for managing the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services necessary for the efficient operation of the farm. This role involves coordinating with suppliers, negotiating contracts, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring that all purchases meet the farm's quality standards and budgetary constraints. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Identify and source high-quality products and services needed for farm operations, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, and other agricultural supplies. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors. 
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to ensure cost-effective purchases. 
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure adequate stock without over-purchasing. 
• Implement inventory tracking systems to forecast future purchasing needs based on historical data and current demand. 
• Conduct regular inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies. 
• Develop and manage the purchasing budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and constraints. 
• Track and report on purchasing expenditures and savings. 
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality. 
• Ensure all purchased products meet the farm’s quality standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to maintain high standards. 
• Address any issues related to product quality or delivery delays promptly. 
• Coordinate the delivery and storage of purchased goods. 
• Work closely with the farm operations team to align procurement activities with production schedules. 
• Manage the return or exchange of defective or incorrect items. 
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information. 
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, including cost analysis and supplier performance. 
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations related to procurement. 
• Collaborate with other departments to understand their purchasing needs and provide support. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably in an agricultural setting
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite 
• Ability to analyze market trends and supplier performance 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily works in an office environment with frequent interaction and coordination with farm operations, warehouses, production facilities, and storage areas.
• Regular visits to farm fields, packinghouses, and agricultural facilities to verify inventory, inspect products, and coordinate deliveries.
• Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, sunlight, dust, and uneven terrain during farm visits.
• May be exposed to agricultural equipment, machinery, forklifts, moving vehicles, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farming materials while following all required safety procedures.
• Requires occasional work in refrigerated storage areas or warehouses when inspecting inventory or coordinating deliveries.
• Frequent interaction with suppliers, vendors, transportation providers, and internal departments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, as needed to support seasonal purchasing demands and farm operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based purchasing, reporting, and administrative tasks.
• Frequently stand and walk throughout office, warehouse, and farm environments.
• Ability to travel between office, storage facilities, production areas, and farm locations throughout the workday.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach while inspecting inventory or reviewing stored materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds occasionally (such as samples, office supplies, or inventory items).
• Frequently use hands and fingers for typing, writing, handling paperwork, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone with vendors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to read detailed reports, contracts, inventory records, and computer screens.
• Ability to safely navigate warehouses, farm fields, loading areas, and uneven outdoor terrain while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k) 
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.