Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Sourcing & Management

Identify, evaluate, and onboard fresh flower exporters from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other

floriculture hubs

Maintain an active vendor network for jasmine, marigold, roses, tuberose, mogra, and seasonal pooja

flowers

Negotiate pricing, MOQ, lead times, and quality standards with all vendors

Build long-term vendor relationships to ensure supply priority during peak festival seasons

Conduct quarterly vendor performance reviews and maintain vendor scorecards

2. USDA / APHIS Compliance

Manage all import permits including USDA APHIS PPQ 587 for cut flowers from India

Coordinate phytosanitary certificates with Indian exporters and India’s NPPO (PPQS) for every shipment

Stay current on USDA restricted species lists, approved treatment methods (fumigation, cold treatment),

and inspection protocols

Liaise with US Customs brokers for smooth clearance at JFK, LAX, SFO, and ORD entry points

Maintain a 100% compliance record — zero rejected shipments due to documentation error

3. Logistics & Cold Chain Management

Plan and execute air freight shipments via BLR, MAA, BOM airports using airlines with certified perishable

cargo handling

Manage cold chain integrity from farm packing through airline cargo to US last-mile delivery

Coordinate with FedEx, Southwest Cargo, Delta Cargo, and American Airlines Cargo for US-side

distribution

Optimise routing to minimise transit time and maintain flower freshness within the 4–6 day viable window





Track all shipments in real time and provide proactive status updates to the US operations team

4. Quality Control

Implement and enforce upstream QC protocols at the farm and packing level before export

Define and communicate bloom stage specifications, packaging standards, and temperature requirements

per flower type

Establish a photo/video QC sign-off process for every shipment before it leaves India

Investigate and resolve quality complaints; implement corrective actions within 48 hours

5. Cost Management & Reporting

Target a 15% reduction in landed cost per kg within the first 3 months through vendor renegotiation and

logistics optimisation

Maintain detailed cost tracking: farm gate price, packing, freight, USDA fees, customs duties, and last-mile

cost

Provide weekly procurement reports to the CEO covering cost per shipment, vendor performance, and

compliance status

Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities without compromising freshness or compliance

Required Qualifications

Experience

3–5 years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience in agri-exports, floriculture, perishables, or

FMCG

Proven experience managing India–international export shipments, preferably to the USA or Europe

Hands-on knowledge of USDA APHIS import regulations for plant products and cut flowers

Pay: ₹35,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month

Benefits:

- Versatile schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

📌 Procurement Manager (India)
🏢 GROINSPIRE
📍 India