Agroforestry Supply Chain Development Manager

Job Summary

As an Agroforestry Supply Chain Development Manager, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of supply chain development and procurement related to agroforestry installations. Your primary goal will be to develop new sources of commercially viable nut and timber crops and ensure the efficient and sustainable sourcing of agroforestry installation materials  As a member of Propagate’s Farm Services team, you will play a key role in the project development process in collaboration with project managers, nursery partners, vendors, contractors, and our in-house project development team.

Responsibilities

Procurement & Supply Chain Development

• Collaborate with R&D team and key stakeholders on the development and scaling of Propagate’s tree crop supply chain, with particular emphasis on short-rotational timber and tree nuts.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for key crops aligned with the organization's agroforestry goals, ensuring consistent product availability, cost efficiency, and high-quality standards.

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with nursery partners, tissue culture labs, and suppliers of materials required for agroforestry projects. Negotiate contracts, monitor supplier performance, and maintain a strong supplier base.

• Ensure quality of stock by garnering feedback from clients; and visiting suppliers to monitor supply through regular quality control visits with contracted vendors.

• Design and implement streamlined procurement processes and procedures for agroforestry projects. Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and environmental sustainability standards.

• Continuously analyze market trends, monitor pricing fluctuations, and identify cost-saving opportunities within the procurement process. Develop and implement strategies to optimize procurement costs without compromising quality or sustainability.

• Identify potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies related to procurement activities. Monitor and address any potential supply chain disruptions, quality issues, or compliance concerns.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including project development partners, technical service providers, research institutions, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and successful execution of agroforestry projects.

• Promote and implement sustainable procurement practices, including responsible sourcing, fair trade, and environmental conservation. Stay updated on industry standards and best practices related to agroforestry and procurement sustainability.

• Develop and maintain procurement performance metrics, prepare reports, and provide analysis on key procurement indicators. Use data-driven insights to optimize procurement strategies and decision-making processes.

Logistics and Project Management

• Coordinate delivery and logistics of plant materials for project development

• Collaborate  with the Farm Services team to create project development and project management protocols 

• Work closely with the Director of Farm Services and Farm Services team to strategize growth opportunities for agroforestry project development 

• Work closely with vendors on improving logistics protocols and shipping and handling procedures

Account Management and Sales Support 

• Work closely with Farm Services team and clients to develop implementation contracts

• Provide feedback on analysis and design client deliverables as needed

• Developing educational materials for clients

• Liaison between tree procurement clients and sales team

Propagate General 

• Work with Product team to build effective tools for reporting to procurement department and creating a smooth client experience for implementation 

• Perform necessary research, and attend conferences & trainings to build an understanding of agroforestry, food systems, supply chain management, nursery networks, and other areas our industry

• Other duties may be assigned, and participation in special projects as required

Job Requirements

• Frequently sitting at a desk  for long periods of time

• Continual use of computer, including long periods of viewing a screen

• Frequent attendance and participation in virtual meetings

• Occasionally operate and service farm machinery and tools

• Ability to bend, crouch, and stand for long periods

• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nursery operations, procurement or supply chain management, preferably in the horticulture  or forestry industry. Experience in timber supply chain development, procurement, and project development is required.

• Strong understanding of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and supply chain management practices. Familiarity with nursery operations, propagation methods, agroforestry concepts, and forestry practices is advantageous.

• Collaborative problem-solver who is highly adept at group project work in a remote setting. Strong ability to both take and offer direction, support, and feedback to peers is a must.

• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers, ensuring fair terms, quality assurance, and cost optimization.

• Proficient in data analysis, market research, and cost optimization techniques. Ability to interpret and utilize data to drive procurement strategies and decision-making processes.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, negotiate contracts, and resolve issues.

• Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

• Based in the United States (we do not currently provide visa sponsorship), with at least four hours of overlap in working hours in any given work day with the majority of engineering team 

• Ability to frequently sit at a desk for long periods of time, as well as continuous use of a computer and frequent attendance and participation in virtual meetings

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, agriculture, forestry, or a related field. 

• Located in Northeast or Mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Application Process (Interview Plan)

• Submit your application for review. We aim to get back to candidates in 3-5 business days regardless of if we decide to move forward or not.

• Screening Interview: 30-minute Google Meet interview with our Director of People Ops

• Manager Interview: 45-minute Google Meet interview with our Director of Farm Services

• Group Interview: 60-minute Google Meet interview with the Farm Services team

• Founder Interview: 30-minute Google meet with Co-Founder and CEO, Ethan Steinberg

Salary: Depending on the level that you come in as, your experience and expertise, we are able to offer an annual salary between $90,000 - $110,000 USD + Equity.

Benefits & Policies

• 🥦Health Care Plan: Our Health Care Plan covers medical, dental, and vision options provided at 95% of employee, 10% of dependents for medical (Anthem); 75% of employee, 0% of dependents for dental and vision (Guardian).

• 🥕Unlimited PTO: Our unlimited PTO policy allows you the flexibility to take time off when you need it, whether it's for vacation, sick days, or public holidays.

• 💰 401(k): Build your retirement savings utilizing our company-sponsored 401(k).

• 🌞Stock Option Plan: As a part of our team, you will also be eligible for our Stock Option Plan, allowing you to share in our success.

• 🐓Work Remote: As a remote-first company, we embrace asynchronous work and offer a work-from-home role with the possibility of travel to farm sites or conferences up to 10% of the time. Join us and experience the benefits of a flexible, supportive, and empowering work environment.

• 🍓This role is only available to candidates legally authorized to work in the United States and we do not provide visa sponsorship at this time.

Who we are

At Propagate🌿, we believe that by providing individuals with the right tools, we can work together to overcome significant challenges. We're always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our passion for building a more sustainable future. As a venture-backed start-up founded in 2017, we have the support of esteemed investors such as The Nest, Agfunder, TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, The Grantham Foundation, Techstars and Elemental Excelerator. Propagate is also a partner of USDA's Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities.

Propagate is firmly dedicated to promoting equity in all aspects of our policies, practices, and programs. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as people of color, women, LGBTQ, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. To ensure equal opportunity, we will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application process, job performance, and other employment benefits.

For any accommodation requests, please reach out to us at hiring@propagateag.com.