Cape Town: FRUIT BUYER posted by Indian Ocean Export Company

We are seeking a Fruit Buyer who is an expert in grapes, citrus or deciduous to join our growing team in Bellville, Cape Town. Are you passionate about fruits and well-versed in procurement processes, especially in the export domain? This role requires someone with an extensive network in the fruit industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Procurement Expertise: Purchasing of grapes, deciduous and citrus fruit. Utilize your knowledge of fruit procurement to identify and source high-quality products from around the globe. Sourcing, establishing and maintaining relationships with new South African suppliers / farmers.
• Network and Relationships: Leverage your wide network within the fruit industry to establish successful partnerships with suppliers and distributors. Consistently maintain good working relationships with between IOEC and its fruit suppliers.
• Negotiation: Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement without compromising on quality. Dealing with claims and negotiating the best settlement for our clients. Price negotiations with growers and packhouses
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with stakeholders across the supply chain. Reporting, presentations and implementing systems. Reporting on the availability and range of the fruit (and vegetables) to our Business Development Managers.
• Market Research: Stay abreast of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and regulatory requirements in the fruit export sector. Implementation of seasonal programs.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure that all procured fruits meet our stringent quality standards. Quality control on farms, pack houses and cold rooms.
• Supply Chain Management: Oversee the logistics of procurement, ensuring timely delivery of goods while maintaining optimal inventory levels.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills and Experience:

• Expertise in Fruit Procurement: 5 years experience in grapes, citrus or deciduous procurement / buying fruit; specialty in grapes preferred. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of fruit seasonality, quality standards, local South African and international fruit growers and packhouses.
• Export Knowledge: Proficiency in export processes and regulations related to the fruit trade.
• A wide network within the fruit industry, including suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with suppliers and optimize procurement costs.
• Computer literate including online portals and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ideal characteristics include:

• Resourceful, driven, energetic, determined and proactive. A never give up attitude.
• An excellent communicator.
• Able to work independently as well as within a team structure.
• Assertive and able to take calculated decisions.

Salary will be market related and dependant on experience.