FRUIT BUYER

IOEC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African export company is seeking a Fruit Buyer to join their team in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience in procuring grapes, citrus, or deciduous fruits, with a strong understanding of export processes. Responsibilities include sourcing high-quality products, negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery of goods while maintaining quality standards. This role offers competitive, market-related salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in grapes, citrus or deciduous procurement.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with suppliers.
• Proficient in export processes and regulations related to fruit trade.

Responsibilities

• Purchase grapes, deciduous, and citrus fruits from suppliers.
• Leverage network within the fruit industry to build partnerships.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers for cost-effective procurement.
• Communicate with stakeholders to provide reports on fruit availability.
• Collaborate with quality control teams to meet quality standards.
• Oversee logistics of procurement for timely delivery of goods.

Skills

Expertise in Fruit Procurement

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Market Research

Supply Chain Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Fruit Buyer who is an expert in grapes, citrus or deciduous to join our growing team in Tyger valley, Cape Town. Are you passionate about fruits and well‑versed in procurement processes, especially in the export domain? This role requires someone with an extensive network in the fruit industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Expertise: Purchasing of grapes, deciduous and citrus fruit. Utilize your knowledge of fruit procurement to identify and source high‑quality products from around the globe. Sourcing, establishing and maintaining relationships with new South African suppliers / farmers.
• Network and Relationships: Leverage your wide network within the fruit industry to establish successful partnerships with suppliers and distributors. Consistently maintain good working relationships with between IOEC and it’s fruit suppliers.
• Negotiation: Negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to ensure cost‑effective procurement without compromising on quality. Dealing with claims and negotiating the best settlement for our clients. Price negotiations with growers and packhouses.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with stakeholders across the supply chain. Reporting, presentations and implementing systems. Reporting on the availability and range of the fruit (and vegetables) to our Business Development Managers.
• Market Research: Stay abreast of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and regulatory requirements in the fruit export sector. Implementation of seasonal programmes.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure that all procured fruits meet our stringent quality standards. Quality control on farms, pack houses and cold rooms.
• Supply Chain Management: Oversee the logistics of procurement, ensuring timely delivery of goods while maintaining optimal inventory levels.

Requirements

• Expertise in Fruit Procurement: 5 years’ experience in grapes, citrus or deciduous procurement / buying fruit; specialty in grapes preferred. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of fruit seasonality, quality standards, local South African and international fruit growers and packhouses.
• Export Knowledge: Proficiency in export processes and regulations related to the fruit trade.
• A wide network within the fruit industry, including suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with suppliers and optimise procurement costs.
• Computer literate including online portals and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ideal Characteristics

• Resourceful, driven, energetic, determined and proactive. A never‑give‑up attitude.
• An excellent communicator.
• Able to work independently as well as within a team structure.
• Assertive and able to take calculated decisions.

Salary will be market related and dependent on experience. If you believe you fulfil the above criteria required for the role, please feel free to email your updated CV through to [e-mail]. Please note that if you do not fulfil all the above requirements for the position your CV will not be considered.

Company Description

IOEC is a well‑established South African export and brand development company, specialising in marketing and exporting South African and regional fruit and vegetables globally. Since its founding in 1972, IOEC has built a strong reputation for quality, value, and reliable supply, leveraging decades of experience to meet and exceed customer expectations.