ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS 

Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (“AUI”) is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Gaithersburg. AUI falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC. 

 

Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. We serve leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. We operate a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serve select International markets as well. AUI has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.


ABOUT THE ROLE 

AUI believes in leadership through innovation. We are seeking a Junior Project Manager, Innovation to develop assigned product or services launches. In this role, you will be a part of a cross-functional team with experts in culinary arts, product marketing, and sourcing. You will complete project milestones from conceptualization to commercialization of specific product categories in the current portfolio of AUI Fine Foods. Additionally, you will actively maintain and enhance supplier relationships with effective communication and managing strategies of partnership at all stages of project management.

As a response to the pandemic, Albert Uster Imports Inc. office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule, requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday, with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative, cross-functional nature of the organization, employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days, outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.



RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plans, executes, and leads all processes for product and services launches including but not limited to conduct competitive market research, evaluate viability and commercialization of products, coordinate and actively communicate with internal and external stakeholders throughout each project deliverable.
  • Proactively identify opportunities and recommends solutions to improve process within the development of projects
  • Coordinates with the Culinary, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Purchasing teams for product and services evaluation, commercialization & approval, and supply chain continuity
  • Manages product sourcing projects and its overall deliverables through customer requests including, customization, SOS, large customer product development with supplier

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/ Management, Sourcing and Procurement, or related field
  • Min. 3-5 years’ experience in project management, category management, product development and commercialization of products in the food industry. Food Service experience preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suit (MS Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook)
  • Highly organized: must be able to manage multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously with attention to detail

Preferred

  • Effective collaborator across departments at all levels
  • Flexibility and adaptability to prioritization of projects
  • Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills


SALARY RANGE

AUI hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of the Company. One of the ways Roland Foods does that is through a competitive compensation package. The base salary for this role will be $60,000 - $80,000.

This role is bonus eligible.


Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferrable skills, the Company will determine at its sole discretion, the salary offered.


Founded by immigrants, AUI & Roland Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together.  All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!

 

AUI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. AUI considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. AUI is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfoods.com.

 

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