What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leaf Procurement Specialist position at JTI - Japan Tobacco International?
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Job Title: Leaf Procurment Specialist
Reporting to: Leaf Director USA
Location: Danville, Virginia
Contract Type: Permanent
Leaf Procurement Specialist
What is this role about?
The role specializes in the procurement of high-quality leaf that meets the company's requirements and standards. The leaf buying specialist is responsible for developing relationships with farmers and identifying top growers for JTI. This position requires traveling to Flue Cured and Burley receiving stations to purchase quality tobacco for JTI.
Tobacco Leaf Procurement Planning & Cost Management
- Develop, review, and implement leaf procurement strategies in the US to secure a sustainable supply for the JT group.
- Monitor and ensure the achievement of business objectives within the leaf buying functions.
- Manage operational costs and T&E expenses.
Tobacco Leaf Quality Management
- Regularly provide guidance and updates to the Leaf Procurement Manager to ensure JTI KPI's are met, taking into account prevailing market conditions.
- Provide accurate and timely forecasts of potential variances in planned volumes.
Work with the Tobacco Growers
- Review and grade tobacco growers based on the previous crop year results.
- Designate volume by grower based on JTI needs.
- Contact growers to discuss plans for the upcoming year, prepare contracts, and ensure contracts are signed according to set timelines (Flu Cured first, Burley second).
- Establish good partnerships with growers, run the Farmer Excellence Program, support farmers with GAP certification, collect farmers' data for the Supply Chain Due Diligence (SCDD) program, visit farms to see crop development, and gather market intelligence for the upcoming crop.
- Provide help from the agronomy team if necessary.
Tobacco Leaf Procurement
- Help prepare the Buying Station for the new buying season: ensure the facility is functional, arrange for repairs if needed, make sure the weights are ready and certified, and the buying line works properly.
- Communicate the buying schedule to the growers and follow up to ensure they are scheduled timely.
- Assist in hiring Buying Station Administrators and train seasonal staff.
- Know the styles of tobacco the Company needs to buy during the crop year, follow percentages of each stalk position during the procurement process, grade tobacco at the buying station, and work to acquire any additional volume needed.
- Resolve any problems that arise during the buying process.
Work with other JTI Leaf Functions
- Be accountable for accurate and timely reporting on leaf matters as required by other stakeholders of JTI.
- Ensure collaboration between local leaf functions and other functions to meet company objectives.
- Work with the Blending Manager and LPI team to make sure the crop is consistently graded.
People Management (if applicable)
- Effectively manage personnel-related responsibilities, including supervising and mentoring team members who report directly or indirectly to the incumbent, to encourage their professional growth and development.
Other (if applicable)
- Manage various tasks and projects as they arise and upon the manager’s request.
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Next Steps:
After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with TA > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.
At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with special needs. If you require any accommodations, please let the Talent Advisor know during the selection process.
