Produce Sourcing Specialist

About the role

A full-time Produce Sourcing Specialist is needed in Nairobi, Kenya, to source fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers and commercial growers. The role covers farm scouting, procurement and price negotiation, quality assurance and compliance, and technical support to partner farmers.

Key responsibilities

• Visit farms and agricultural regions regularly to identify, evaluate and onboard reputable farmers and commercial growers.
• Negotiate farm-gate pricing, supply volumes and harvest schedules to meet market demand while keeping costs efficient.
• Build seasonal supply projections for key produce lines and set up out-grower networks for consistent, year-round inventory.
• Conduct pre-harvest inspections to ensure Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), minimum residue limits (MRLs) and client quality standards are met.
• Advise partner farmers on soil nutrition, pest and disease management, irrigation schedules and optimal harvesting windows.
• Train farmers and field harvesters on harvesting techniques, handling, sorting and field-level cooling and packaging to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Inspect harvested produce before dispatch for weight, colour, size and defects, implement traceability to farm and batch, and monitor pest and chemical residue risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of practical experience in field agronomy, fresh produce sourcing or commercial horticulture management.
• Track record of farm-level procurement, negotiating with farmers and out-growers, and managing supply chains for perishable produce.
• Valid driving or riding licence and willingness to travel extensively to rural farms, agricultural zones and packhouses.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of fruit and vegetable pest and disease profiles, harvest maturity indices and soil chemistry.
• Post-harvest handling and GAP compliance.