Fresh Produce Buyer for Perishable Retail in Gqeberha
Peoplefinder Career Placements · Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Overview
A perishable retail client in Gqeberha is looking for a Fresh Produce Buyer with 2 to 4 years of buying and trading experience. You will negotiate with farmers, manage stock, and drive sales growth in the fresh produce division. This permanent full time role suits someone with strong analytical skills and in depth knowledge of fruit or vegetables. Matric and a relevant degree are required, and a driver's licence is essential. Salary is discussed in interviews.
About the role
Our client in the Perishable Retail Industry needs a Buyer for their fresh produce division in Gqeberha. You will plan and execute the buying strategy for fresh produce, working closely with farmers and suppliers to get the best prices and quality. Building and maintaining relationships with farmers is key, making sure food safety and quality standards are met. You will also drive sales growth and maximise gross profit margins for your assigned category.
Managing stock levels is important so that product is available while keeping waste, shortages, and spoilage low. You will visit farms, competitors, and markets regularly to analyse trends, competitor pricing, and consumer demand. This helps you make smart purchasing decisions. You will follow company policies on buying and trading, which includes processing purchase orders, verifying invoices, and managing logistics. You will also work with marketing and store operations on promotional activities.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you email the recruiter directly, please state the position you are applying for.
Requirements
- Matric with a relevant degree
- At least 2 to 4 years of experience in a similar field
- In depth knowledge of fruit and or vegetables
- Previous buying and trading experience required
- Management experience in a packhouse environment will be advantageous
- Excellent computer literacy in MS Office Outlook, Word and Excel
- Proven track record of performance, reliability, and professional conduct
- Strong analytical skills are essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Must have a driver's licence
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute the buying strategy for fresh produce, including negotiating with farmers and suppliers for the best prices and quality
- Develop and maintain relationships with farmers, ensuring compliance with food safety systems and quality standards
- Drive sales growth and maximise gross profit margins for the assigned buying category
- Manage stock levels to ensure product availability while minimising waste, shortages, and spoilage
- Visit farms, competitors, and markets regularly to analyse trends, competitor pricing, and consumer demand to inform purchasing decisions
- Adhere to company policies on buying and trading, including processing purchase orders, verifying invoices, and managing logistics
- Coordinate with marketing and store operations to select, plan, and execute promotional activities
Job details
- Organisation
- Peoplefinder Career Placements
- Location
- Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Junior (2+ years)
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This role is perfect for you if you have a few years of buying experience under your belt and you know your fruit and veg. In your application, highlight any experience you have working with farmers or suppliers, and show how you have managed stock to reduce waste. When you prepare for an interview, think of examples where you negotiated a good deal or improved sales margins. The company also values food safety knowledge, so be ready to talk about quality standards. A driver's licence is a must, so make sure it is on your CV. If you email the recruiter, clearly state the position in the subject line to help your application stand out.
How we help you prepare
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