Purchase Manager – Fruits & Vegetables

About the role

SAFCO International seeks an experienced Purchase Manager to lead local procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring quality, freshness, and timely delivery to meet business needs.

Key responsibilities

• Manage local procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables to meet business requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local suppliers, farmers, wholesalers, and vendors.
• Negotiate competitive prices, payment terms, and supply agreements.
• Ensure product quality, freshness, availability, and timely deliveries.
• Monitor market prices, seasonal trends, and product availability.
• Optimize purchasing costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Coordinate with sales, warehouse, and logistics teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Identify reliable suppliers and explore opportunities to improve procurement efficiency.

Required profile

• 8–10+ years of hands‑on local purchasing experience in the fruits and vegetables industry.
• Proven experience in the food trading sector, specifically fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Strong network of local suppliers and market contacts.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.
• Good understanding of market pricing, seasonal availability, quality standards, and sourcing practices.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced food trading environment.