Fruit & Vegetable Import Manager

About the role

Keetab is seeking a seasoned Fruit & Vegetable Import Manager to lead the end‑to‑end sourcing, logistics and compliance of fresh produce entering the UAE market. You will work closely with overseas growers, freight partners and internal merchandising teams to ensure a reliable, cost‑effective supply of high‑quality fruit and vegetables.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate and onboard overseas suppliers that meet Keetab’s quality and commercial standards.
• Negotiate contracts covering price, volume, payment terms and quality specifications.
• Manage the full import cycle: booking, documentation, customs clearance, phytosanitary compliance and last‑mile delivery.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers and cold‑chain logistics providers to optimise transit time and product integrity.
• Develop seasonal sourcing plans based on demand forecasts, promotional calendars and shelf‑life constraints.
• Monitor freight rates, FX exposure and tariff changes to protect margins.
• Collaborate with QA/FS, merchandising and market operations to align assortment with consumer preferences.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Horticulture, International Trade, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience importing fresh produce, preferably for a retailer, distributor or e‑commerce platform.
• Proven track record of supplier negotiation and import compliance.

Required skills

• International trade practices
• Fresh produce importing
• Supply chain management
• Customs clearance procedures
• Contract negotiations
• Agricultural import regulations
• WMS systems
• Data analysis
• Phytosanitary compliance
• Import processes