Fruit&Vegetable Import Manager

Key ResponsibilitiesSourcing & Supplier ManagementIdentify, evaluate, and onboard overseas fruit & vegetable suppliers aligned with Keeta's quality standards and commercial requirementsLead contract negotiations covering pricing, volume commitments, payment terms, and quality specificationsBuild and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with growers, exporters, and trading companies across key origins (e.g., Southeast Asia, Latin America, Oceania, Africa)Conduct periodic supplier audits and performance reviewsImport Operations & ComplianceManage end-to-end import processes including booking, documentation, customs clearance, phytosanitary compliance, and last-mile delivery coordinationEnsure full compliance with destination market regulations (FDA, EU health certificates, local agricultural inspection requirements, etc.)Work closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and cold-chain logistics providers to optimize transit time and product integrityHandle exception management (delays, rejections, claims) proactivelySupply Planning & Inventory OptimizationDevelop seasonal sourcing plans based on demand forecasts, promotional calendars, and shelf-life constraintsBalance inventory turnover vs. stock-out risk for perishable SKUsCollaborate with merchandising and category teams to align supply plans with sales targetsCost Control & Margin ManagementDrive cost efficiency through origin diversification, container consolidation, and negotiation leverageMonitor FX exposure, freight rate fluctuations, and tariff changes; recommend mitigation strategiesAnalyze gross margin by SKU/origin and identify improvement opportunitiesCross-functional CollaborationPartner with local market operations teams to ensure assortment meets consumer preferencesCoordinate with QA/FS teams to enforce food safety and traceability standardsProvide market intelligence and pricing insights to support category strategyRequirementsExperience & BackgroundBachelor's degree or above in Agriculture, Horticulture, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or related fields5+ years of hands-on experience in fresh produce importing, preferably with a retailer, importer/distributor, or e-commerce platformProven track record managing multi-origin supply chains for fruits and/or vegetablesExperience working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment (retail/e-commerce preferred)Technical CompetenciesDeep knowledge of fresh produce categories: seasonality, varietals, grading standards, post-harvest handling, and cold chain requirementsSolid understanding of international trade practices: Incoterms, letters of credit, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of originFamiliarity with customs clearance procedures and agricultural import regulations in target marketsProficient in data analysis and reporting; comfortable with ERP/WMS systems