Position Location: Western Cape 

Please note that this position is based in the Western Cape, and you will be working from the Star South Fruits office in Wellington, Western Cape.

Requirements

• Adequate tertiary qualification
• Experience in procurement and program management of fresh fruit, specifically grapes and citrus
• Excellent technical knowledge on product and post-harvesting
• Proven record of successfully building and managing relationships
• Management experience
• Computer literate
• Understanding of management and reporting systems
• Available to travel regularly

Characteristics

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team
• Easily adaptable
• Management skills
• Strategic approach to procurement 
• Problem-solving skills
• Effective time management

Job Description

• In co-operation with the sales team, compile, execute, and manage procurement strategy
• Procure product according to pre-season planning
• Ensure requirements are met throughout the season
• Liaise with the sales team and suppliers to secure availability according to planned sales volumes
• Canvass new suppliers and new products that will suit our sales offering
• Price negotiation
• Build and maintain existing and new relationships with growers successfully
• Manage the process flow between Product Coordinators and Commercial Manager
• Ensure timely and effective communication between the procurement team and sales team
• Product co-ordination from farm to cold room
• Ensure all produce is packed and delivered as planned
• Continuously acquire information on the availability of product, changes in supply, and trends within the area in relation to quality, timing, volume, and weather
• Ensure sufficient product is packed according to sales orders
• Ensure correct packaging is used as per market requirements (i.e. labels, date codes, etc.)
• Timely communication to the commercial sales team if the product is not available or according to specification
• Ensure all administration related to suppliers and product is accurately and timeously completed, including but not limited to onboarding of farmers, stock file intakes, certifications, loadout instructions, dispatch notes, complete purchase prices on the financial system
• Quality assurance on farms, in packhouses, and in cold rooms
• Communication of QC reports to the sales team and suppliers
• Management of quality standards by instruction and training on the farm and packhouse level (Packing material management and regular supplier and packhouse visits)

Remuneration

Market related, depending on experience and knowledge.

Applications

Please send your CV and cover letter, including salary expectations, to Kindly ensure your subject includes the position you are applying for. If you have not received any feedback within two weeks, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.