Job Description

My client, a well-established company in the fruit industry, based in Somerset West, is seeking to employ a Fruit and Packaging Buyer, with at least 4 years of vegetable / fruit buying experience. A BComm Degree and Agricultural background highly advantageous.

Job brief:
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 their growing 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. You will be working in the commercial team, together with the logistics coordinator, planner and sales team.
Responsibilities:

• Maintain and increase the supply network of fruit and packaging to meet the yearly production requirements
• Work in close relation with the production, logistic and planning department 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
• Farm & packhouse visits in South Africa
• Calculate & negotiate purchase prices based on global market information of final products in combination with our internal cost price.
• Manage purchase orders and contracts in ERP system
• Improve the presence and reputation of the company in the farmers community and the different fruit associations in South Africa
• Improve the overall sustainability profile of the supply chain

Requirements:

• At least 4 years of fresh produce buying experience
• Degree in Agriculture or a B.Com
• Farming background advantageous
• Regular travel locally, where overnight stays might be required
• Experience in working with ERP systems like Sage, SAP, Pastel evolution.
• In possession of own car
• Fluent in English is required and Afrikaans is seen as an advantage

Character profile:

• Positive and enthusiastic person
• Hands-on mentality
• Good negotiating skills
• Flexible in approach and results driven

Helderberg Personnel