AEDEN FRUITS INTERNATIONAL PVT LTD

Procurement Senior Executive – Fruits & Vegetables

Kochi, Kerala

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title

Procurement Senior Executive – Fruits & Vegetables

Department

Procurement & Supply Chain

Reports To

Head of Procurement / COO

Location

Aeden HQ, Kochi, Kerala

Employment Type

Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Range

₹60,000 per month

ABOUT AEDEN FRUITS INTERNATIONAL

Aeden Fruits International Pvt Ltd is a leading importer and distributor of premium fresh fruits and vegetables, with operations across India (Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai) and international trading partnerships. We source fresh produce from 20+ countries across North America, Europe, South America, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions. Our procurement function is critical to sourcing quality, competitive products while managing supply chain complexity, regulatory compliance, and vendor relationships globally.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Procurement Senior Executive is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing international and domestic suppliers of fruits, vegetables, and imported FMCG products. You will negotiate contracts, manage vendor relationships, coordinate imports, ensure compliance with regulations, and optimize procurement costs. This role requires hands-on sourcing expertise, cross-border trading knowledge, and the ability to travel internationally to supplier facilities and markets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESSupplier Identification & Development

· Identify and evaluate new suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables globally

· Research international markets and farming regions for sourcing opportunities

· Assess supplier capability, quality standards, certifications (GlobalGAP, organic, etc.)

· Conduct supplier audits and facility visits (on-site assessments)

· Develop long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers across key sourcing regions

· Build and maintain a diverse supplier network across multiple countries

Import & Procurement Operations

· Manage import procurement from multiple countries (apples, pears, citrus, berries, exotics, etc.)

· Negotiate pricing, volume, and terms with international suppliers

· Prepare quotations and RFQs; evaluate supplier bids

· Place and manage purchase orders with international vendors

· Monitor shipment timelines, freight costs, and logistics coordination

· Ensure compliance with Customs regulations, HS codes, and import documentation

· Manage phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and regulatory documentation

Quality & Compliance Management

· Ensure supplier compliance with food safety standards (FSSAI, GlobalGAP, organic certifications)

· Conduct quality audits and product sampling verification

· Monitor traceability and documentation for regulatory compliance

· Track residue testing and food safety certifications

· Manage quality discrepancies and coordinate with suppliers on corrections

· Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance documentation

Cost Optimization & Contract Management

· Negotiate competitive pricing and favorable payment terms

· Analyze landed costs (freight, customs, insurance, duties)

· Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative sourcing

· Prepare contracts and manage SLAs with suppliers

· Track spending and manage procurement budget

· Conduct market analysis and commodity price tracking

International Travel & Sourcing

· Travel internationally to supplier farms, warehouses, and markets

· Conduct on-farm audits and facility assessments





· Participate in international trade shows and sourcing events

· Build face-to-face relationships with key suppliers

· Assess seasonal production capacity and quality at source

· Estimated travel: 25–30% international (North America, Europe, South America, ME, Asia)

Vendor Relationship Management

· Maintain regular communication with international and domestic suppliers

· Address supplier concerns and resolve issues collaboratively

· Conduct periodic vendor reviews and performance assessments

· Manage payment processing and supplier settlements

· Build strategic partnerships and explore expansion opportunities

Documentation & Reporting

· Maintain accurate supplier databases and procurement records

· Prepare procurement reports, vendor scorecards, and compliance audits

· Track import documentation (bills of lading, invoices, certifications)

· Maintain traceability records and supply chain documentation

· Prepare cost analysis and procurement performance reports

· Support audit and regulatory compliance documentation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducation

· Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field; MBA in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Business Management preferred

Professional Experience

· Minimum 5–8 years of procurement experience in fruits, vegetables, or imported FMCG sectors

· Proven experience sourcing from international suppliers (preferably 20+ countries)

· Track record of managing import operations and international logistics

· Experience negotiating with global suppliers and managing international contracts

· Knowledge of food safety standards, certifications, and regulatory compliance

· Familiarity with Customs regulations, HS codes, import duties, and trade documentation

· Experience with agricultural commodities, fresh produce, or food trading

Skills & Competencies

· Advanced negotiation and contract management skills

· Robust vendor relationship and stakeholder management

· Proficiency in procurement systems and ERP software

· Excellent analytical and cost optimization skills

· Fluency in English (additional languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese preferred)

· Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and data analysis

· Understanding of international trade, logistics, and supply chain

· Strong communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills

· Problem-solving and adaptability in complex global scenarios

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

· IAPMP (Indian Association of Procurement Managers) certification or equivalent

· Experience with organic or specialty produce certifications

· Knowledge of GlobalGAP, FSSAI, and food safety audit processes

· Prior experience in agribusiness or agricultural commodity trading

· Familiarity with supply chain visibility tools and traceability systems

· Experience with cold chain management and perishable goods logistics

· Prior exposure to e-commerce or modern retail supply chains

· Multi-year experience in establishing sourcing operations in new countries

WHAT WE OFFER

· Competitive salary of ₹60,000/month with performance incentives





· International travel opportunity to supplier countries (expense coverage provided)

· Comprehensive benefits (health insurance, PF, ESI, gratuity)

· Opportunity to shape Aeden's global sourcing strategy

· Exposure to international markets and supply chain operations

· Professional development and industry conference attendance

· Work workplace rooted in psychological safety and people-first values

· Exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions

· Career growth potential in expanding procurement function

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

This role requires willingness and ability to travel internationally.

· Frequency: Estimated 25–30% of working time (5–6 weeks per year)

· Scope: International travel to supplier countries including North America, Europe, South America, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions

· Duration: Multi-day trips to supplier facilities, trade shows, and sourcing events

· Flexibility: Ability to travel on short notice for urgent sourcing needs

· Candidacy: Only those genuinely open to international travel should apply

· Requirements: Valid passport with 10-year validity, willingness to obtain visas as needed, comfortable with jet lag and time zone changes

WORKING CONDITIONSLocation & Travel

· Primary office: Aeden HQ, Kochi, Kerala

· International travel: 25–30% (supplier facilities, trade shows, sourcing events globally)

· Domestic travel: Occasional visits to Aeden facilities in Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai

· On-site work: Supplier facility assessments and due diligence visits

Office Hours & Flexibility

· Standard office hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday

· Flexible hours during international coordination (time zone adjustments)

· Travel periods: 24–48 hour availability for emergency sourcing needs

Physical Demands

· Comfortable with extensive international travel and jet lag

· Physical stamina for farm/facility site visits and inspections

· Ability to work in varying climates and agricultural environments

· Comfort with intensive field assessment and hands-on due diligence

KEY SOURCING REGIONS & SUPPLIER NETWORKS

· North America: USA, Canada (apples, pears, berries)

· Europe: Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Poland (citrus, berries, exotics)

· South America: Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador (avocados, berries, citrus)

· Asia-Pacific: China, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines (tropical fruits, vegetables)

· Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia (trading hubs and co-packing partners)

· Emerging markets: Morocco, Turkey, South Africa (expanding supplier base)

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. To apply:

1. Submit a resume highlighting procurement experience in fruits, vegetables, or imported FMCG, with specific focus on international sourcing

2. Provide a brief cover letter (250–350 words) explaining your experience with international suppliers, key sourcing countries, and why you're interested in Aeden

3. List 3–5 key suppliers you've worked with (countries and product categories)

4. Be prepared to discuss specific procurement strategies, cost negotiations, and complex sourcing challenges you've managed

5. Successful candidates will be asked to present a sample sourcing strategy or market analysis for a specific country/product

Send applications to: Sam, HR Manager, Aeden Fruits International Pvt Ltd

Email: [email protected]

Pay: ₹500,000.00 - ₹720,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Health insurance
- Leave encashment
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Provident Fund

Work Location: In person

📌 Procurement Senior Executive – Fruits & Vegetables (India)
🏢 Aeden Fruits International
📍 India