Fruit&Vegetable Category Manager

About the Role

Keeta is seeking a Fruit & Vegetable Category Manager to join its team in Dammam, Eastern region. This full-time role involves managing the fresh produce supply chain, from sourcing and import operations to inventory optimization and cost control. The position requires 5-10 years of experience in fresh produce importing.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard overseas fruit and vegetable suppliers, ensuring alignment with Keeta's quality standards and commercial requirements.
• Lead contract negotiations covering pricing, volume commitments, payment terms, and quality specifications.
• Build and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with growers, exporters, and trading companies across key origins.
• Manage end-to-end import processes, including booking, documentation, customs clearance, phytosanitary compliance, and last-mile delivery coordination.
• Ensure full compliance with destination market regulations (*, FDA, EU health certificates, local agricultural inspection requirements).
• Develop seasonal sourcing plans based on demand forecasts, promotional calendars, and shelf-life constraints.
• Drive cost efficiency through origin diversification, container consolidation, and negotiation leverage.
• Partner with local market operations teams to ensure assortment meets consumer preferences and coordinate with QA/FS teams for food safety and traceability.

Experience and Background

• Bachelor's degree or above in Agriculture, Horticulture, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in fresh produce importing, preferably with a retailer, importer/distributor, or e-commerce platform.
• Proven track record managing multi-origin supply chains for fruits and/or vegetables.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment (retail/e-commerce preferred).

Technical Competencies

• Deep knowledge of fresh produce categories, including seasonality, varietals, grading standards, post-harvest handling, and cold chain requirements.
• Solid understanding of international trade practices: Incoterms, letters of credit, phytosanitary certificates, and certificates of origin.
• Familiarity with customs clearance procedures and agricultural import regulations in target markets.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with comfort using ERP/WMS systems.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Dammam, focusing on managing the fresh produce category for Keeta. The role involves working within a dynamic environment that requires proactive management of import operations and supply chain optimization.

Application Process

Candidates who meet the outlined qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.