Our client is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Global Buyer & Seller Trading Expert specializing in the categories of; Premium IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) fruits & vegetables, freeze-dried fruits & vegetables, food ingredients, groceries and staples, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat products and other relevant food & beverage categories.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the end-to-end trading process, establishing strong relationships with suppliers and buyers I customers globally, and ensuring the procurement and delivery of high-quality products for both trading and managing in-house brands and private-label offerings for the global market.
Job Purpose:

• Sourcing & Negotiation I Demand Creation & Supply - Develop, analyze and secure negotiated commercial agreements that will establish cost competitiveness and a reliable service level within our supply chain.
• Market Trends & Consumer Trends Awareness - Gather knowledge and understanding of market trends & events to provide visibility and to protect the cost and continuity of supply of our product categories.
• Categories Management - Work in conjunction with the business vertical head to create category plans and formulate appropriate strategies that align with corporate business goals and optimize effectiveness.

Job Responsibilities:
Market Research and Analysis: * Conduct thorough market research to identify global trends, pricing structures, and potential suppliers and buyers.

• Analyze market dynamics, including supply and demand factors, to make informed purchasing and selling decisions.
• Create & present category plans, strategies to internal & external business stakeholders.

Supplier Relationship Management: * Identify, assess, and establish relationships with key suppliers of premium IQF fruits & vegetables, freeze-dried products, food ingredients, groceries, and other evolving categories.

• Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers I customers to ensure cost-effectiveness and high-quality product sourcing.
• Constantly seek out and develop alternate or dual vendors to guarantee best possible procurement efficiencies ~ Establish robust risk mitigation protocols.
• Product Procurement: Oversee the procurement process, including sourcing, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of products.
• Work closely with suppliers I customers to maintain consistent product quality and compliance with industry standards and country specific food regulations & documentation.
• Manage legal contracts, and price / volume / stock agreements.
• Analyse and define sourcing category strategies and report milestone objectives advancements.
• Maintain vendor / customer pricing item catalogues up to date and provide maximum visibility to the business on forecasted costing via timely / accurate forecast updates.
• Regular discussion with Marketing & Finance team on possible future impact on price increase on Raw Material / Packaging Material / Traded Goods for proper contingency plans for Gross Contribution / Net Contribution Calculations.

Sales and Distribution: * Develop and maintain strong relationships with global buyers, retailers, and distributors.

• Collaborate with the sales team & marketing teams to understand market demands and strategize for effective product distribution.

Quality Assurance and Compliance: * Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures for all products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards working closely with our QA&QC team.

• Work closely with suppliers to address quality issues and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Familiar with customer complaints process / redressals and expertise in product re-call protocols.
• Support Vendor Audits / Vendor Authorization.

Supply Chain Optimization:

• Optimize the supply chain for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with logistics and distribution teams to streamline the transportation and storage of goods.
• Procedures & Processes; Identifies and streamlines operations to improve productivity and reduce lead times as defined by SOP.
• To designs and develops systems to track and rectify variations/ deviations from planned course of action.

Risk Management: * Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, such as market fluctuations, geopolitical factors, weather influences, and supplier-related issues.

• Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and disruptions.
• Support Finance to achieve payment agreements as contracted with vendors & customers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. MBA is a plus.
• Proven experience of 15 years or more in global trading of IQF fruits & vegetables, freeze-dried products, groceries & staples, and related food categories.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills to contribute to business plans & execution strategies meeting & exceeding revenue targets.
• Well established buyer & seller network of global standards for early-stage revenue generation and growing business opportunities,
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with high integrity following the values and ethos of the organization; clearly using all mediums, doing so locally, regionally, and globally
• In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations and compliance.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.
• Familiarity with regulatory & documentation requirements for various countries in relation to food safety and quality standards.