PROCUREMENT INTERN

ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:  

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked, farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover, and develop individual strengths, and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team. 

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION: 

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is a national leader in the future of hunger relief, empowering the next generation of leaders to implement innovative models for combatting hunger, developing food systems, and helping communities to help themselves. The Procurement department is an integral part of this innovative approach with a focus on consistent, efficient, and responsible procurement and purchase of product and supplies for the organization. This department works collaboratively with our Food Recycling/Meal Distribution and Revenue Generating Programs and is also responsible for contract negotiation for long-term contracts, sourcing to identify suitable vendors for various products and services, managing vendor relationships, and identifying the best solutions to support the goals and the mission of the organization. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Procurement Intern will support the Procurement & Sustainability Department with purchasing, reporting, data entry, and vendor-related activities. The intern will assist with commodities tracking, order entry, order guide maintenance, and procurement research while gaining hands-on experience with purchasing and supply chain operations. This position will work collaboratively with internal departments and vendors to support the efficient procurement of food, supplies, and services needed to advance DC Central Kitchen’s mission.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist with reporting and data entry for the Procurement & Sustainability Department.
• Support procurement ordering through commodities tracking, order entry, and order guide maintenance.
• Research products, pricing, availability, and potential vendors.
• Assist with maintaining vendor, product, and purchasing records.
• Support tracking of purchase orders, deliveries, and outstanding orders.
• Assist with organizing vendor quotes, invoices, and other procurement documentation.
• Support vendor communication and research as directed.
• Assist with spreadsheets, reports, and other procurement-related tracking tools.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support procurement needs.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, preferably in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Operations, Finance, Hospitality, Food Systems, or a related field.
• Interest and/or experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain management, or business operations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, or the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, professional, and willing to learn.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be capable of independent local travel. 
• May occasionally move Audio/Visual and other office equipment or lightweight items weighing up to 20 pounds for various meeting and event needs. Some functions of this position may require moderate physical activity, including transporting, positioning, installing, or removing office equipment items, such as printers, computers, phones, etc. 
• May need to occasionally move about inside the office and commercial kitchen space to access supplies, materials, file cabinets, office machinery, etc.; constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; constantly positions self to access and maintain computer equipment; and must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 50% of the time. 
• Must be able to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common. 
• This job description is subject to change at any time. 

NOTE:

This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.