Job Description

My client, a well-established company in the fruit industry, based in Somerset West, is seeking to employ a Buyer Fruit & Packaging with min 4 years' of vegetable / fruit buying experience, preferably in an industrial environment.The ideal candidate will have a degree in Agriculture or B.Comm with an agricultural background.The successful candidate will be in contact with existing supply base (farmers & pack houses and packaging suppliers) and expanding the network to increase the availability and variety to meet demands. All price negotiations and seasonal contracting will be part of the responsibilities. In season this will include farmer visits, coordinate supply of fresh fruit and packaging materials.Responsibilities

• Maintain and increase the supply network of fruit and packaging to meet the yearly production requirements
• Daily communication with the production, logistic, quality and planning to supply the required raw materials in time to meet production demand.
• Create a yearly and monthly purchase budget in line with the demand and the fruit seasons
• Assess local market conditions and identify current and prospective new fruit supply opportunities
• Share knowledge with sales team on availability, prices and crop outlook and market development
• Maintain and build good relationships with farmers & packers, with regular visits around South Africa.
• Ensure quality standards and pesticide residues are met
• Manage and maintain purchase prices, orders and contracts within the ERP system.
• Monthly reporting on SOH, order levels and prices
• Calculate & negotiate purchase prices based on global market information of final products in combination with internal cost price.
• Improve the presence and reputation of the company in the farming community and the different fruit associations in South Africa
• Improve the overall sustainability profile of the supply chain

Requirements

• At least 4 years' of fruit or vegetable buying, preferable in an industrial environment
• Degree in Agriculture or B.Comm with an agricultural background
• Regular travel locally, where overnight stays might be required
• Experience in working with ERP systems
• Own car and valid license
• Fluent in English is required, Afrikaans and other languages is seen as an advantage

Helderberg Personnel