Fruit Sourcing & Channel Development Specialist

We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Fruit Sourcing & Channel Development Specialist to drive our fresh fruit procurement, develop sourcing partnerships, and strengthen distribution channels. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in the fresh produce sector, strong negotiation abilities, and the capability to coordinate with farmers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure consistent quality and supply.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract Farmer Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage contract farmers and sourcing partners.
• Build strong relationships with growers to ensure long-term, reliable supply.
• Monitor farm operations, crop cycles, and compliance with company standards.

2. Procurement & Quality Control

• Oversee procurement of fresh fruits from multiple regions.
• Ensure adherence to quality specifications through regular farm and warehouse inspections.
• Work closely with quality teams to maintain product standards and reduce rejection rates.

3. Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate with logistics, warehouse, and distribution teams to ensure smooth movement of goods.
• Optimize procurement cycles to maintain stock availability and minimize wastage.
• Assist in planning seasonal volumes, forecasting, and replenishment schedules.

4. Market Intelligence

• Track market trends, pricing, competitor activity, and availability across regions.
• Suggest procurement strategies based on demand forecasts, seasonality, and market fluctuations.
• Provide insights to management for pricing, sourcing planning, and new market opportunities.

Essential Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience in fresh produce sourcing, agricultural supply chain management, or retail fresh produce category management.
• Strong understanding of the Indian fruit market, with experience in at least 1–2 states.
• Excellent price negotiation and vendor-management skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively for farm visits, market surveys, and supplier meetings.
• Strong communication, analytical, and coordination abilities.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional)

• Experience working with farmer producer organizations (FPOs) or horticulture projects.
• Knowledge of post-harvest management, grading standards, and cold chain.
• Proficiency in MS Excel or supply chain planning tools.