What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sourcing Development Manager position at East West Tea Company LLC?
Title of Role: Sourcing Development Manager
Department: Sourcing and Sustainability
East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Sourcing Development Manager to join our Sourcing and Sustainability team to work closely with our strategic producers of tea, spices and herbs. Collaborating and working cross functionally with Quality, Research & Development and Production teams. Exploring new opportunities in the tea, spice, and herb world and the business acumen to identifying new potential sourcing suppliers to create more opportunity to expand our supply base.
WHO WE ARE:
We are the well-being company that exists to inspire and enhance everyday life through trust and good will. Our guiding principles, beliefs, and philosophies shape our identity. They are the essence of our culture and define how we do what we do.
We are Intentional – we chose to lead with positive intent. Mindful – we are present and aware of how we show up in the world. People – we value and respect all people and communities. Authentic – we are real and transparent with everything we do. Committed – we are committed to quality products while sustaining our planet. Trust – we consistently align our words with our actions.
OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU:
- We have exceptional wellbeing-focused benefits including health, dental, vision and alternative care, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, company picnics, social activities, and a surprise every so often! Who doesn’t love a surprise?
- This position is located in Eugene, Oregon with a work from home option that provides the opportunity to work outside the office up to two days per week.
- As a certified B Corp, we’re a company that lives our values every day.
- We work in a LEED certified facility which prioritizes the planet in our daily operations and optimizes our employee experience while at work.
- We prioritize sustainability as a business by embedding it into our values, our strategic priorities, our decision-making, and our resource allocations.
- Our Nourish Market provides employees subsidized healthy lunch and snack options.
- We commit to our purpose in every aspect of our culture.
- We have employees that are committed to “Doing Good” in our community and around the world.
- We are a growing company with products that customers love.
- We believe in investing in you and your growth and development.
WHAT YOU’LL OWN:
Grower Development & Sourcing 40% of time
- Tasting all tea, spice and herb offers which suppliers submit.
- Assessment of raw materials in accordance with our specifications.
- Engaging with current preferred and strategic suppliers with feedback on quality (KPIs and metrics rom an internal quality database).
- Working with strategic suppliers on product innovations.
- Partner with farmers and processors in product innovation emerging from our grower development projects.
- Facilitates organic compliance
Raw Material Improvement Initiatives 40% of time
- Collaborating with Quality and Production teams to understand problematic production issues.
- Working with preferred and strategic suppliers to enhance product quality and consistency and to improve food safety processes and procedures.
- Partnering with preferred and strategic suppliers on raw packaging alternatives to ensure Yogi standards are met.
Training & Development 20% of time
- Training raw material buyers to better understand key attributes-such as taste, cut, and overall characteristics of our global botanicals and camellia sinensis.
- Working closely with Quality and R&D on knowledge transfer and taste assessments.
WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED:
- Preferred Master’s degree in business or equivalent with supply chain focus.
- Minimum of 5 years work experience in tasting and tea/botanical and quality management.
- Preferred experience in FMCG/CPG/FSVP
- Project management experience, preferred PMP, CAPM
- Experience with organic products and their regulations, high desirable.
- Ability to travel, particularly to overseas suppliers.
- Procurement and supply chain management experience.
YOU’LL BE A GREAT FIT:
- Strong critical thinking ability to navigate and solve complex problems
- Solid work ethic, self-starter, and result-oriented
- Natural ability to develop strong, trusting relationships
- Enjoys collaborating with cross-functional partners
- Responsible and a high degree of ownership
- Balances attention to detail and swift execution
WHAT WE DO:
We manufacture Yogi and Choice Organics[SC1] brand products. Yogi has over 40 tea blends made from 140 exotic spices and botanicals sourced from 100% non-GMO growers around the globe. These herbal, green, and black teas are formulated for delicious taste and healthful benefits. Choice Organics offers a collection of organic traditional tea, herbal tea, and unique, flavorful organic tea blends. Choice teas are sourced exclusively from 100% organic and non-GMO growers around the world and are beautifully balanced to perfection for a full-flavored taste experience.
East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each person's individuality and unique talents. We honor diversity and inclusion. The strength of our people and our guiding principles contribute to East West Tea's leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.
