The Quality & Sourcing Manager – Fresh Herbs is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the quality, availability, and responsible sourcing of cut herb inventory across Edible Garden’s operations. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, this position manages supplier relationships, inbound quality, and inventory flow while partnering closely with Production, Sales, Growers, and Operations to align sourcing decisions with demand, quality standards, and zero-waste objectives.
This role requires deep experience in perishables, preferably fresh produce or herbs, and the confidence to make real-time quality, sourcing, and inventory decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Management & Assurance
- Own quality standards for incoming and in-house cut herb inventory.
- Inspect, evaluate, and approve or reject product based on freshness, compliance, and company standards.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, temperature control, and rotation (FIFO) throughout the facility.
- Identify quality trends and implement corrective actions to reduce spoilage and waste.
- Partner with Food Safety and Operations to support audit readiness and compliance.
Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Manage relationships with multiple herb and produce suppliers to ensure consistent quality, availability, and lead times.
- Review incoming orders and production forecasts to determine sourcing needs.
- Collaborate with suppliers to address quality issues, shortages, and opportunities for improvement.
Inventory & Flow Management
- Oversee receiving, inventory reconciliation, and inventory control for cut herbs.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels to support continuous production flow while minimizing shrink.
- Plan, schedule, and manage inbound transportation requirements.
- Manage on-site inventory in identifying upcoming availability and surplus for production usage.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Production, Sales, and Growers to align sourcing and quality with customer demand and growing plans.
- Proactively communicate risks, shortages, quality concerns, and sourcing recommendations.
- Support ordering and inventory visibility for additional Edible Garden facilities.
Reporting & Data Analysis
- Track inventory movement, quality metrics, shrink, and spoilage.
- Prepare and publish accurate, timely reports for leadership.
- Use data to drive purchasing efficiency, waste reduction, and quality improvements.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field OR equivalent experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a perishable or fresh produce environment; herbs preferred.
- Proven experience managing quality and sourcing decisions within a fast-moving supply chain.
- Strong understanding of purchase orders, transportation, warehousing, and third-party logistics.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage large volumes of data.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization.
- Detail-oriented with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; experience with inventory systems preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, or evenings as operational needs require.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
