Fruit & Vegetable Import Manager

Job Overview

Keeta is seeking an experienced Fruit & Vegetable Import Manager based in Dubai, UAE, to oversee sourcing, supplier relations, import operations, and supply chain optimization for fresh produce imports. This is a full-time onsite role focused on maintaining high quality standards and efficient import processes for diverse international origins.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate international fruit and vegetable suppliers to align with Keeta's quality and commercial needs.
• Lead negotiation of contracts covering pricing, volume, payment terms, and quality criteria.
• Establish and nurture long-term partnerships with growers, exporters, and traders from regions including Southeast Asia, Latin America, Oceania, and Africa.
• Perform regular supplier audits and review their performance.
• Manage the full import cycle encompassing shipment booking, documentation, customs clearance, phytosanitary compliance, and coordination of last-mile deliveries.
• Ensure compliance with market-specific regulations such as FDA, EU health certifications, and local agricultural inspections.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and cold-chain logistics providers to optimize transit times and maintain product quality.
• Proactively resolve issues related to delays, shipment rejections, and claims.
• Create seasonal sourcing plans based on demand forecasts, promotions, and product shelf-life considerations.
• Balance inventory turnover with stock-out risks for perishable items.
• Work jointly with merchandising and category teams to align supply plans with sales objectives.
• Promote cost efficiency through diversification of origins, container consolidation, and effective negotiation tactics.
• Monitor foreign exchange risks, freight rate changes, and tariffs, proposing mitigation approaches.
• Analyze gross margins per SKU and origin to identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinate with local market operations ensuring assortment fits consumer preferences.
• Collaborate with QA and food safety teams to uphold food safety and traceability standards.
• Provide market intelligence and pricing analysis to support category strategies.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Horticulture, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or related disciplines.
• At least 5 years of direct experience in fresh produce importing, ideally in retail, import/distribution, or e-commerce sectors.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-origin supply chains for fruits and vegetables.
• Experience handling fast-paced, high-volume operations, preferably in retail or e-commerce environments.
• Strong expertise in fresh produce categories covering seasonality, varietals, grading, post-harvest handling, and cold chain logistics.
• Solid knowledge of international trade terms, including Incoterms, letters of credit, phytosanitary and origin certificates.
• Familiarity with customs clearance processes and import regulations tailored to target markets.
• Proficient in data analysis, reporting, and comfortable with ERP and warehouse management systems.