Fruit&Vegetable Category Manager

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Supplier Management
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard overseas fruit & vegetable suppliers aligned with Keeta's quality standards and commercial requirements
• Lead contract negotiations covering pricing, volume commitments, payment terms, and quality specifications
• Build 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 reviews

Import Operations & Compliance
• Manage end-to-end import processes including booking, documentation, customs clearance, phytosanitary compliance, and last-mile delivery coordination
• Ensure 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 integrity
• Handle exception management (delays, rejections, claims) proactively

Supply Planning & Inventory Optimization
• Develop seasonal sourcing plans based on demand forecasts, promotional calendars, and shelf-life constraints
• Balance inventory turnover vs. stock-out risk for perishable SKUs
• Collaborate with merchandising and category teams to align supply plans with sales targets

Cost Control & Margin Management
• Drive cost efficiency through origin diversification, container consolidation, and negotiation leverage
• Monitor FX exposure, freight rate fluctuations, and tariff changes; recommend mitigation strategies
• Analyze gross margin by SKU/origin and identify improvement opportunities

Cross-functional Collaboration
• Partner with local market operations teams to ensure assortment meets consumer preferences
• Coordinate with QA/FS teams to enforce food safety and traceability standards
• Provide market intelligence and pricing insights to support category strategy

Requirements

Experience & Background
• Bachelor's degree or above in Agriculture, Horticulture, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or related fields
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in fresh produce importing, preferably with a retailer, importer/distributor, or e-commerce platform
• Proven track record managing multi-origin supply chains for fruits and/or vegetables
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment (retail/e-commerce preferred)

Technical Competencies
• Deep knowledge of fresh produce categories: seasonality, varietals, grading standards, post-harvest handling, and cold chain requirements
• Solid understanding of international trade practices: Incoterms, letters of credit, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin
• Familiarity with customs clearance procedures and agricultural import regulations in target markets
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting; comfortable with ERP/WMS systems