Fruit Buyer

Our client is seeking a Fruit Buyer who is an expert in grapes, citrus or deciduous to join their team.

Responsibilities:

• Purchasing of grapes, deciduous and citrus fruit. Apply your knowledge of fruit procurement to identify and source high-quality products. Sourcing, establishing and maintaining relationships with new South African suppliers / farmers.
• Leverage your wide network within the fruit industry to establish successful partnerships with suppliers and distributors. Consistently maintain good working relationships with between our client and its suppliers.
• Without compromising on quality, negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement. Deal with claims and negotiate the best settlement for our clients. Price negotiations with growers and packhouses.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with stakeholders across the supply chain. Compile and conduct reporting, presentations and implement systems. Report on the availability and range of the fruit to our Business Development Managers.
• Stay abreast of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and regulatory requirements in the fruit export sector.
• Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure that all procured fruits meet stringent quality standards. Quality control on farms, pack houses and cold rooms.
• Oversee the logistics of procurement, ensure timely delivery of goods. Maintain optimal inventory levels. Implementation of seasonal programs.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with suppliers and optimize procurement costs.
• Resourceful, driven, energetic, determined and proactive. A never give up attitude.
• An excellent verbal and written communicator.
• Able to work independently as well as within a team structure.
• Assertive and able to take calculated decisions.

Qualifications:

• Matric
• Relevant Tertiary qualification will be advantageous
• 5 years experience in grapes, citrus or deciduous procurement / buying fruit; speciality in grapes preferred. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of fruit seasonality, quality standards, local South African and international fruit growers and packhouses.
• Proficiency in export processes and regulations related to the fruit trade.
• A wide network within the fruit industry, including suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Computer literate in using online portals and Microsoft Office Suite.