Fruit Category Manager

Indian Ocean Export Company; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indian Ocean Export Company in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Category Manager for Fruit. This role requires a robust background in fresh fruit procurement, international trading, and strong negotiation skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing supplier relationships and driving profitability in the fresh produce industry while ensuring effective supply chain management.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years experience in Category Management, Procurement, or International Trading within fresh produce.
• Strong understanding of import/export processes and perishable supply chains.
• Experience in managing supplier claims and quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage seasonal procurement, pricing strategies, and inventory planning.
• Negotiate with local and international suppliers.
• Analyze market trends to drive business growth.

Skills

Category Management

Procurement

Negotiation

Supply Chain Management

Fresh Produce Trading

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field

Tools

Procurement and inventory management systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, commercial Category Manager for Fruit. Requires a strong background in fresh fruit procurement, category management, and/or international fruit trading. The successful candidate will have proven expertise in sourcing, supply chain management, supplier negotiations, and driving profitability within the fresh produce industry.

Essential Experience

• 5–8+ years' experience in Category Management, Procurement, Commercial Management, or International Trading within fresh fruit or fresh produce.

• Strong understanding of international fruit sourcing, import/export processes, and perishable supply chains.

• Experience negotiating with local and international growers, exporters, and suppliers.

• Proven ability to manage seasonal procurement, pricing strategies, and inventory planning.

• Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for P&L, margins, and category performance.

• Experience managing supplier claims, quality issues, and product recoveries.

• Ability to analyze market trends, pricing, and competitor activity to drive business growth.

• Experience leading or supporting regional sales teams across multiple countries would be advantageous.

Technical Knowledge

• Fresh fruit supply chains and cold chain logistics.

• Import/export documentation and regulatory requirements.

• Procurement and inventory management systems.

• Pricing, forecasting, and demand planning.

• Quality assurance and claims management.

Key Competencies

• Commercially driven with strong negotiation skills.

• Excellent analytical and financial acumen.

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.

• Ability to build long-term supplier relationships.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international trading environment.

• People management

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 5– 8years of experience in category management, procurement, sales management, or a similar role (preferably in fresh produce).
• Experience managing cross-regional teams is advantageous.
• Knowledge of import/export regulations and perishable goods handling.

This role is best suited to someone who has hands-on experience trading fresh fruit internationally, understands the commercial risks associated with perishable products, and can balance supplier relationships, procurement, sales performance, quality, and profitability across multiple regions.