Summary/Objective
The Food System Analyst at the Global Food Traceability Center (GFTC) will be responsible for executing strategic initiatives that enhance end-to-end traceability in supply chains and global food systems. This role requires a proactive, results-driven approach to project execution, fiscal accountability, and stakeholder engagement to ensure high-quality work products. The Food System Analyst will take ownership of their areas of responsibility, demonstrating technical expertise to serve as an internal and external subject matter expert on best practices, policy developments, and technology related to traceability.
Essential Responsibilities
• Drives the implementation of GFTC’s strategic initiatives, working closely with the Managing Director to align with organizational goals and ensuring accountability for results.
• Takes ownership of executing GFTC grant and contract activities, maintaining clear expectations for project outcomes while monitoring progress.
• Leads and contributes to research and development of traceability best practices, creating high-impact tools and training for stakeholders across public and private sectors.
• Proactively identifies and pursues funding opportunities through proposals and concept papers, ensuring a strategic approach to resource allocation and growth.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with scientific organizations, government agencies, academia, and food and agricultural industry representatives to raise GFTC’s visibility and expand its influence.
• Advocates for and facilitates the adoption of technology for digitally interoperable food traceability, ensuring alignment with industry and regulatory standards.
• Applies a business and financial lens to traceability initiatives, offering insights into commercial supply chain management and industry decision-making.
• Develops and delivers clear, compelling reports and technical materials tailored for diverse stakeholders, ensuring effective communication of complex topics.
• Confidently presents and briefs internal and external audiences, adapting communication style as needed to influence decision-making and drive business outcomes.
• Engages with funding organizations (government agencies, philanthropic foundations, universities, research institutions) to build strategic partnerships and secure funding.
• Conducts RFP scanning and business pipeline development, identifying and pursuing opportunities to strengthen GFTC’s financial position.
• Leads and contributes to the development and submission of business proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and financial sustainability.
• Leads projects, delegate tasks effectively, and oversees external contractors to ensure successful execution of deliverables.
• Utilizes excellent verbal and written communication skills to keep leadership informed of key business and financial considerations, challenges, and opportunities related to GFTC initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with industry and legal regulations and best practices, and adherence to company processes and procedures.
Travel Required
• Occasional domestic and international travel is expected, including the ability to attend evening, weekend, and overnight meetings as needed.
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business management, science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in industry, non-profits, and/or government in traceability, transparency, and/or supply chain roles.
• Experience in supply chain management, QA/food safety, business systems, and/or digital technology, with a demonstrated ability to align business and financial priorities with traceability initiatives.
Other Duties
This position, and all others at IFT, may be modified at any time. To ensure operational efficiency and meet the changing needs of our customers and our Business, other duties may be assigned as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 to 80,000 Per Year (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Benefits: IFT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward and energize our employees, so they can live a balanced life and maintain their well-being. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans at affordable rates. Life and Long Term Disability insurance is completely free to all employees. Most benefits begin the first of the month following employee’s start date. To learn more about IFT and our excellent benefits, please visit our careers page here: https://www.ift.org/about-ift/work-at-ift
