Job Opportunities
Stay tuned for opportunities as we grow our staff and outreach!
We’re hiring!
Wholesale Partnerships Coordinator
Priority Deadline: April 11, 2025
Send Resume, Cover Letter and 3 references to info@nwifoodcouncil.org and virginia@nwifoodcouncil.org
SUMMARY
The NWI Food Council and its program, Region Roots Local Farm and Food Hub, unlocks economic opportunity for farmers in our region, especially those who historically have been excluded from opportunities to make a viable living. Our unique combination of personalized support and market development promotes both economic well-being and a more sustainable, resilient, and community-centered food system. We approach our work through partnerships that create meaningful, long-lasting market access for farmers and food access for our communities. NWIFC has seen incredible growth in our wholesale program over the past three years, with over $1.8 million dollars in local procurement through our food hub since 2021.
The Wholesale Partnerships Coordinator will facilitate the wholesale market access initiatives, generate sales for local farmers, manage partnerships with current wholesale partners, develop new wholesale partnerships and secure commitments from values-aligned customers that result in increased wholesale purchasing at community institutions. You will develop opportunities for farmers to sell into Food is Medicine programs with other anchor nonprofits like the Food Bank of NWI, Meals on Wheels, CoAction, United Way and more.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
60% - Wholesale Partnership Development and Support
Coordinate all aspects of the execution of the wholesale market access program, including partnership development with existing wholesale customers and partners, as well as developing new partnerships, particularly around community anchor institutions and building community demand for local produce and products year-round.
Develop and coordinate an annual marketing plan (with Marketing Associate and marketing contractors) that increases overall partner engagement in purchasing, as well as other engagement opportunities with Region Roots.
Assist in the design and development of sales collateral and materials to support partners’ buying programs, increase sales of current offerings, assist partners in establishing and/or growing buying programs at their organizations.
Provide excellent customer service and stewardship of partnerships, including answering calls and emails, taking accurate orders, problem-solving, and responding to customer inquiries.
Participate in demand/procurement, working with buying partnerships to forecast seasonal needs maintaining awareness of pricing and inventory.
Participate in the development of yearly/quarterly sales forecasting and budget
Prepare sales reports, develop data-driven insights from sales data, evaluate sales trends to further strengthen partner engagement, as well as strengthen wholesale program offerings.
Evaluate the wholesale program annual impact and overall efficacy; partner with the Co-Executive Directors to report program activities.
Support restaurant relationships as needed
Work with Farm to Food Access Coordinator, Farm to School Coordinator and Farm Club Coordinator to support the development of local food distribution programs via wholesale partnerships.
Coordinate with Region Roots team on product availability for orders, inventory and fulfillment projections.
30% - Order Management, Aggregation and Distribution Logistics
Support the growth of Region Roots by assisting with buyer and supplier onboarding, entering orders and working with the hub team on digital and tech needs for managing orders and relationships.
Provide support, training, and ongoing communication to Region Roots to ensure successful aggregation, storage, grading, packaging and labeling, and regulatory compliance
Coordinate logistics with Region Roots staff for the distribution of food and to support identification of additional opportunities for the hub.
Occasionally fill in for other Region Roots Local Farm and Food Hub roles, for example, supporting Farmer Support Specialist and other team members with farmer communications, delivery driving, hub administrative needs, or special activities as the hub team deems necessary.
10% - Professional Development & Network Building
Professionally represent the NWI Food Council and Region Roots Local Farm and Food Hub during community outreach meetings, conferences, and other events.
Attend and contribute to Indiana Value Chain Network and FARMWISE value chain professional network meetings
Attend professional development opportunities and work with consultants/partners to explore business or network models for the food hub.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
Proficiency with or a willingness to learn basic software and technology including MS Office Suite, Google Drive, Asana, SalesForce, smart phones, copier, webinar platforms, etc.
Proficiency with or a willingness to learn Food Hub specific and logistics software and technology, including Local Line, Cigo, etc
Dependable and resilient self-starter with an interest and experience in taking on new challenges and overcoming obstacles with little supervision
Leadership skills with proven project and team management
Eagerness to learn and commitment to asking for help when needed
Outstanding organizational, record keeping and data management skills
Superior listening, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Outstanding customer service skills, including the ability to de-escalate others while making sure their concerns are heard and responded to
Commitment to developing collaborative solutions
Demonstrated ability to network and collaborate with multi-agency/state initiatives and grassroots organizations
Ability to present information clearly and concisely to groups of farmers, buyers, etc.
Solid business acumen
Clean driving record
Computer and internet access
Maintain regular and punctual attendance and remain engaged
Work cooperatively with others
Being comfortable in and ready to contribute to a rapidly growing and changing food business environment
Driving during the workday
Comply with company policies and procedures
Location: Office hours as needed but generally remote, good portion of time spent in the field visiting new and prospective clients.
Type of Position: Full-time
Hours per week: 40
Pay Scale: Starting at $55,000 plus generous benefits package
Classification: Exempt
Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision; workers compensation, 401k, generous PTO