Senior Leaf Specialist & Buyer

Overview

Full job description Overview:
Are you an authority on tobacco leaf standards, looking to drive quality at a leading consumer packaged goods company? If so, then we have an opportunity for you! We are currently looking for a Senior Leaf Specialist & Buyer with our Tobacco Leaders Program. You will coordinate the process of assigning value, grading and purchasing the tobacco needed to manufacture company products.

• Accurately value the quality and stalk position for US Flue Cured Tobacco needed to make PM USA cigarettes.
• Accurately value the quality and stalk position of US Burley Tobacco needed to make PM USA cigarettes.
• Coordinate with Product Development to achieve product subjective requirements of packed grades for the buying season.
• Lead in grade setup activities and coordinate all domestic inspections.
• Operate and handle a receiving station line to buy tobacco from US Growers (receiving station start‑ups / shutdowns, contract reviews, bale weights, SAP, moisture readings, and CPA/TSNA sampling).
• Execute quality control activities (CPA/TSNA sampling, NTRM Search, calibrations). Monitor shipping.
• Complete all required documentation & records management requirements.
• Provide project support and serve as Team Lead. Examples include but are not limited to: GAP Assessments, NTRM inspections, buying process improvement.
• As appropriate, implement infrastructure to share valuable information across receiving locations: equipment calibration and inventory management, order buying & office material, start‑up.
• Provide reporting and analysis on trends and market status updates for assigned receiving station.

• High School diploma with a minimum of 15 years in tobacco buying experience OR Bachelor's degree and 10 years of tobacco buying experience.
• Advanced tobacco and tobacco processing (stemmery) expertise for both U.S. Flue Cured and U.S. Burley.
• Serve as subject matter expert for business process activities between farm, receiving station, and stemmery.
• Expertise in leaf processing, tobacco production, grades, grading standards and quality requirements.
• Capable of distinguishing colors, textures and aroma to identify leaf grades, stalk positions, and quality.
• Working knowledge of tobacco contracting and buying processes.
• Ability to apply Leaf systems/hardware to execute buying and operate receiving stations.
• Strong interpersonal communication and conflict management skills.
• Physical ability to work in extremely hot, cold, and dusty conditions and stand for long periods.
• Ability to travel 75% of the time.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license in good standing for the last 3 years. Any DUI/DWI conviction in the last 3 years will be an immediate disqualifier for the position.

Immigration Sponsorship is not available for this role.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $86,200.00 - $ / annually.

• Annual performance incentive based on individual and company performance.
• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to support you and your loved ones.
• Flexible Work Environment to include vacation and generous holidays.
• Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan (401K) with matching contributions on day 1, including a yearly company contribution.
• Paid Paternity and Maternity Leave.
• Employee Recognition Awards.
• Student Loan Assistance.