MDC/FWOI Value Chain Coordinator

Position Description
Position Type

Full Time Exempt 

Supervisor

Donald Green, Executive Director, MDC/FWOI

Work Environment

In office in Clarksdale, MS or Remote

Project Summary

Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Workers Opportunities (MDC/FWOI), a minority-founded and -run non- profit in Clarksdale, MS, will lead the Delta Regional Food Business Center to deliver Grow Delta, Feed Delta, Buy Delta. Serving disadvantaged, minority producers, processors, and intermediaries, we will increase agricultural business knowledge, success, and resilience – from farm gate through retail– serving 5 states – Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Eastern Texas. We will organize producers and processors into ~25 clusters of 4-6 counties each while engaging intermediaries to access urban markets from St. Louis to New Orleans and from Dallas to Atlanta.

 

We will use the tools provided by the Delta Regional Food Business Center — Coordination, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building – to build the qualities of a resilient Southern food system through implementing Connectivity, Local Self-organization, Physical Infrastructure, Recruitment, Diversity, Innovation, Climate Smart Integration, and Leader Development. We will improve food traceability and safety, strengthen infrastructure, connect growers with buyers, and drive pricing that works for producers.

 

The project will be guided by the Delta RFBC Partnership Board that will include a member from each of our collaborating partner organizations. These organizations will be a critical component of value chain coordination as well as ensuring success of the Business Builder
awards throughout the targeted value chains.

 

The project will work collaboratively with the International Fresh Produce Association to create and market Delta Regional Food Business Center UPCs and PLUs that will identify a product with a variety of characteristics, for example: small scale producer, regional producer, limited resource producer, woman producer, historically underserved producer or from a producer implementing climate smart practices.

 

The Delta Regional Food Business Center will implement the business builder awards throughout the targeted value chains to facilitate producers’ ability to use the identifying UPC and PLUs and getting those UPCs and PLUs into the value chain and tracking them from farm gate to the end consumer.

 

The targeted service area currently imports 2.7 billion kilograms of food; our goal is to convert 2% of those imports to locally produced food, increasing regional annual income by more than $100 million. (Approximately $20 million per targeted state.) 

Job Overview

The Value Chains Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the entire value chains process for each targeted service region within the Delta Regional Food Business Center as well as collaborating with bordering center supply chains when appropriate. They play a crucial role in coordinating activities, streamlining operations, and ensuring efficient flow of products from producers to end-users. The Value Chains Coordinator collaborates with the Delta Regional Food Business Center, stakeholders, including suppliers, producers, distributors, and retailers, to maximize value creation and enhance overall integration of regional products into regional supply chains.

 
Key Responsibilities
  1. Value Chains Analysis: Conduct comprehensive analysis of the five state regional supply chains as well as bordering Regional Food Business Center supply chains to identify areas for improvement, potential bottlenecks, and opportunities for value addition.
  2. Coordination and Collaboration: Collaborate with internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders to coordinate activities across the value chains, ensuring smooth operations, efficient resource allocation, and timely delivery of products or services.
  3. Supplier and Vendor Management: Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring the availability of high-quality inputs, materials, or services at competitive prices.
  4. Production and Operations Monitoring: Monitor production processes, supply chains activities, and logistics to ensure optimal efficiency, adherence to quality standards, and timely delivery of products or services.
  5. Quality Control and Assurance: Implement and maintain quality control measures throughout the value chains, including product or service inspections, certifications, and compliance with relevant industry standards.
  6. Cost Optimization: Identify cost-saving opportunities within the value chains and implement strategies to reduce expenses without compromising quality or customer satisfaction.
  7. Performance Metrics and Reporting: Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of the value chains and regularly report on performance to management, highlighting areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
  8. Continuous Improvement: Continuously identify and implement process improvements, operational efficiencies, and innovative practices to enhance the organization’s value chains performance.
  9. Risk Management: Identify potential risks or disruptions within the value chains, develop contingency plans, and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize the impact on operations and ensure business continuity.
  10. Market Research and Trend Analysis: Stay updated on market trends, customer demands, and industry developments to identify opportunities for value chains optimization, innovation, and differentiation.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chains Management, Operations Management, or a related field. Relevant certifications or additional training are advantageous.
  • Proven experience in value chains management, supply chains coordination, or a similar role within a related industry.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform data analysis, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills to effectively coordinate multiple activities within the value chains.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of quality management systems, lean manufacturing principles, and process improvement methodologies.
  • Proficiency in using relevant software applications, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, supply chains management software, and data analysis tools.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices related to the value chains.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify challenges, propose solutions, and implement effective strategies.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
How to Apply

Please submit resume/CV and examples of previous experience to USDA Delta Regional Food Business Center – admin@deltarfbc.org.

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