Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Source high-quality apples suitable for CA storage directly from orchards, FPOs, mandis, or aggregators in Kashmir.
• Identify and engage with reliable growers and suppliers producing CA-grade apples (firmness, color, brix, size).
• Conduct pre-harvest and post-harvest assessments to estimate crop quality and readiness.
• Ensure apples are procured, sorted, and packed according to CA storage specifications.
• Negotiate competitive prices and finalize procurement contracts within budget guidelines.
• Coordinate with third-party quality assurance teams for grading and selection at farm gates or mandis.
• Oversee first-mile logistics, including crate packing, loading, and cold chain transit to CA storage facilities.
• Maintain accurate procurement records including quantity, quality grades, lot traceability, and vendor details.
• Regularly report market trends, price fluctuations, and supplier performance.
• Ensure adherence to company procurement SOPs and post-harvest handling standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agribusiness, or related discipline.
• 2-4 years of experience in apple procurement, preferably with experience in CA-grade sourcing.
• In-depth knowledge of apple varieties (e.g., Red Delicious, Royal Gala), harvest timelines, and CA requirements.
• Familiarity with Kashmir's apple belts and supplier ecosystem.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and vendor management skills.
• Understanding of quality parameters: firmness, color index, sugar level (Brix), and fruit size calibration.
• Willingness to travel extensively across sourcing areas.
• Basic proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and digital record-keeping tools.
• Fluency in Kashmiri/Urdu is a plus.

Skills Required