Fruit Trader (Cape Town)

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking a Fruit Trader to join their expanding team at their Bellville offices. The Fruit Trader is responsible for the sourcing, procurement & sales of fresh fruit in international markets.

You'll manage logistics and quality control while building relationships with our buyers and suppliers. This role requires strong negotiation skills, a good understanding of INCO terms and export documentation, and a genuine passion for the fresh produce industry.

POSITION INFO:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Sales: Drive fruit sales. Close key business deals. Serve as the main point of contact for our clients. Achieve the fresh target gross profit margin (GPM). Track record of new business development and acquiring new customers. Monitor currency exchange rates and their impact on pricing and profitability.
• Sourcing & 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.
• 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.
• Network and Relationships: Utilize your extensive network in the fruit industry to create successful partnerships with suppliers, distributors, and customers. Ensure the successful maintenance of all these relationships.
• Claims management: Handling and resolving claims related to the quality, quantity, or safety of fruit. Analysing claims data to identify patterns that may indicate underlying issues, allowing for proactive measures to enhance quality control and customer satisfaction.
• Compliance, Regulatory, Research, Administration & Reporting: Stay abreast of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and regulatory requirements in the fruit export sector. Implement seasonal programs. Ensure all transactions comply with international trade laws, phytosanitary requirements, and export regulations. Maintain accurate records of contracts, shipments, and compliance documentation. Managing costs, payment terms, and credit control with customers and suppliers. Support in preparing financial reports, forecasts, and performance analyses. Reporting, presentations and implementing systems. Build Reports on the availability and range of the fruit (and vegetables).
• 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. ctively liaise with stakeholders across the supply chain.
• Supply Chain Management: Oversee the logistics of procurement, ensure timely delivery of goods. Maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Travel: Required to travel to international customers/trade shows/seminars.

• Expertise in Fruit: Demonstrate extensive knowledge of fruit seasonality, quality standards, local South African and international fruit growers and packhouses.
• Deep understanding of Fruit industry, including market trends, suppliers, and customers.
• A wide network within the fruit industry, including suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• 5 years’ procurement experience in grapes, citrus or deciduous fruit buying (speciality in grapes preferred).
• Proven experience in Fruit trading internationally (buying and selling). Track record of new business development and acquiring new customers.
• Knowledge of Export process and regulation and INCO Terms:
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with suppliers and optimize procurement costs.
• Computer skills are required, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and Microsoft Office. The ability to adapt quickly to new technologies is essential, and familiarity with Qlik software is a plus.

• Competent in tackling complex problems, prioritizing effectively, meeting deadlines, and working independently with little supervision.
• Resourceful, motivated, energetic, determined, and proactive, with a persistent attitude.
• Outstanding communicator.
• Capable of working autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team, in alignment with company policies and procedures.
• Confident and capable of making well-considered decisions.