Fruit Category Manager

Essential Experience

• 35+ years' experience in Category Management, Procurement, Commercial Management, or International Trading within fresh fruit or fresh produce.
• Strong understanding of international fruit sourcing, import/export processes, and perishable supply chains.
• Experience negotiating with local and international growers, exporters, and suppliers.
• Proven ability to manage seasonal procurement, pricing strategies, and inventory planning.
• Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for P&L, margins, and category performance.
• Experience managing supplier claims, quality issues, and product recoveries.
• Ability to analyse market trends, pricing, and competitor activity to drive business growth.
• Experience leading or supporting regional sales teams across multiple countries would be advantageous.

Technical Knowledge

• Fresh fruit supply chains and cold chain logistics.
• Import/export documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Procurement and inventory management systems.
• Pricing, forecasting, and demand planning.
• Quality assurance and claims management.

Key Competencies

• Commercially driven with strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical and financial acumen.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to build long-term supplier relationships.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international trading environment.
• People management

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.

35 years of experience in category management, procurement, sales management, or a similar role (preferably in fresh produce).

-Experience managing cross-regional teams is advantageous.

Knowledge of import/export regulations and perishable goods handling.

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