Technical and Procurement Manager (Table Grapes)

About the position

Technical & Procurement Manager (Table Grapes)
Location: Paarl

Non-Negotiable Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Minimum of 4 years' procurement experience within the table grape industry.
• Proven experience within the fresh produce industry.
• Established relationships with table grape growers/suppliers.
• Willing and able to travel extensively.

About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced Technical & Procurement Manager to drive supply growth, quality management, and grower relationships within their local table grape division.

The successful candidate will possess advanced technical knowledge of table grapes, a proven track record of sourcing and securing new supply, and a strong commercial mindset to ensure consistent product availability aligned with customer and market requirements. This role requires someone who is passionate about building long-term producer relationships and expanding the company's grower network.

If you have a strong technical background in table grapes, excellent procurement experience, and an established network of growers, we'd love to hear from you.
Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role within fresh fruit, specifically table grapes.
• Demonstrated success in sourcing and securing new supply.
• Advanced technical knowledge of table grapes, including. varietals, quality standards and post-harvest handling.
• Strong relationship-building capability with growers and packhouses.
• Willing and able to travel regularly.

Job Description:

• In co-operation with the sales team, compile, execute and manage the procurement strategy.
• Procure product in line with pre-season planning and sales requirements.
• Liaise with the sales team and suppliers to secure availability against planned volumes.
• Canvass new suppliers and products aligned to our sales offering.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new growers.
• Manage and optimise coordination between Product Coordinators and the Commercial Manager.
• Ensure all produce is packed and delivered according to plan.
• Ensure packaging aligns with market requirements.
• Ensure all supplier and product administration is completed accurately and timeously.
• Conduct quality assurance on farms, in packhouses and in coldrooms.
• Manage packing material requirements.
• Actively identify, evaluate and onboard new growers to expand the supply base.
• Accountable for procurement profitability, cost control and margin optimisations.

Desired Skills:

• Paarl
• Wellington
• Supply chain
• Procurement
• Grape
• Grower