Trading Manager, Fruits and Vegetables

We are seeking a highly driven professional with hands-on experience in procurement, sales and supply chain operations for the Fruits & Vegetables (F&V) category. The ideal candidate should be well-versed with the dynamics of agri-sourcing, vendor development, buying cycles, and quality control. Additional experience in working with buyers of the supply chain is preferred.

NOTE: If you do not have any experience in fruits and vegetables, do NOT apply. This role mandatorily needs people who have worked for companies that are either into F&V trading, or are large buyers or suppliers

This role demands quick decision-making, field coordination, and working closely with suppliers to ensure optimal supply-demand alignment and minimal wastage.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan daily/weekly procurement based on demand forecasts, seasonality, and consumption trends
• Identify, onboard, and maintain strong relationships with F&V vendors/farmers/aggregators
• Monitor pricing, negotiate terms, and ensure timely deliveries with minimal slippage
• Conduct market visits to assess product availability, pricing trends, and vendor performance
• Manage quality checks (grading, freshness, shelf life) across supply points
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (warehouse, store operations, category/merchandising teams)
• Ensure real-time updates to procurement planning based on supply-side shifts (weather, transport, harvest changes)
• Drive sourcing efficiency, cost control, and freshness metrics
• Working with buyers across channels and using relationships to drive sales

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 5–8 years of relevant experience in F&V procurement AND/OR F&V sales, preferably in modern retail, QSR chains, e-grocery, or agri-supply chains
• Strong understanding of seasonality, perishability, shelf-life, and region-specific crop cycles
• Hands-on experience with vendor management, quality checks, and inventory turnover planning
• Working knowledge of MS Excel, ERP tools, and supply chain dashboards
• Good interpersonal and negotiation skills for vendor engagement
• Willing to travel within the region (as needed) and be available early mornings if required for mandi/vendor coordination