We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Supply Chain Manager to develop and manage the end-to-end supply chain for a large-scale fresh produce operation in East Africa.

This is a highly operational role covering the movement of fresh produce from farm through to overseas customers, including inland transport, fleet operations, warehousing, cold chain, reefer containers, ports, shipping lines and export logistics.

The successful candidate will ideally have direct experience within bananas or other temperature-sensitive fresh produce and will understand the commercial and operational challenges associated with exporting perishable products internationally.

You will be responsible for building and improving supply chain processes, managing logistics partners and ensuring products reach international markets efficiently, on time and within the required temperature conditions.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Managing the complete supply chain from farm dispatch through to destination port or overseas customer
  • Coordinating transport between farms, packhouses, warehouses, container depots and ports
  • Managing shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs agents, transport providers and port operators
  • Coordinating reefer container bookings, positioning, inspections, stuffing and return
  • Managing vessel schedules, cut-off times, transit times and export documentation
  • Maintaining the cold chain throughout inland transport, storage, port handling and sea freight
  • Monitoring temperature settings, reefer performance and controlled-atmosphere requirements
  • Managing warehousing, stock control, dispatch, traceability and inventory reconciliation
  • Controlling demurrage, detention, storage and other logistics costs
  • Managing transport fleet utilization, fuel consumption, maintenance and availability
  • Developing contingency plans for delays, equipment failures, port congestion and shipping disruption
  • Negotiating with logistics suppliers and managing commercial agreements
  • Investigating product damage, temperature deviations and logistics-related claims
  • Recruiting and developing the local supply chain and logistics team

We are looking for someone with:

  • 5–10 years’ experience in supply chain, logistics or export operations
  • Proven fresh produce export experience
  • Banana experience would be a significant advantage
  • Strong knowledge of reefer containers and temperature-controlled logistics
  • Experience working directly with shipping lines, ports, freight forwarders and inland transporters
  • Knowledge of export documentation, customs procedures and Incoterms
  • Experience developing or significantly improving supply chain operations
  • Strong commercial and cost-management skills
  • Good Excel skills and experience with ERP, transport-management or shipment-tracking systems
  • Strong English communication skills

Previous experience working in Africa, emerging markets or remote agricultural environments would be particularly valuable.

Just as importantly, we are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong sense of ownership and a genuine willingness to relocate permanently to East Africa.

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys being close to the operation, solving problems quickly and building a supply chain capable of supporting significant future growth.