Key Responsibilities
1. Vendor Sourcing & Management
Identify, evaluate, and onboard fresh flower exporters from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other
floriculture hubs
Maintain an active vendor network for jasmine, marigold, roses, tuberose, mogra, and seasonal pooja
flowers
Negotiate pricing, MOQ, lead times, and quality standards with all vendors
Build long-term vendor relationships to ensure supply priority during peak festival seasons
Conduct quarterly vendor performance reviews and maintain vendor scorecards
2. USDA / APHIS Compliance
Manage all import permits including USDA APHIS PPQ 587 for cut flowers from India
Coordinate phytosanitary certificates with Indian exporters and India’s NPPO (PPQS) for every shipment
Stay current on USDA restricted species lists, approved treatment methods (fumigation, cold treatment),
and inspection protocols
Liaise with US Customs brokers for smooth clearance at JFK, LAX, SFO, and ORD entry points
Maintain a 100% compliance record — zero rejected shipments due to documentation error
3. Logistics & Cold Chain Management
Plan and execute air freight shipments via BLR, MAA, BOM airports using airlines with certified perishable
cargo handling
Manage cold chain integrity from farm packing through airline cargo to US last-mile delivery
Coordinate with FedEx, Southwest Cargo, Delta Cargo, and American Airlines Cargo for US-side
distribution
Optimise routing to minimise transit time and maintain flower freshness within the 4–6 day viable window
Track all shipments in real time and provide proactive status updates to the US operations team
4. Quality Control
Implement and enforce upstream QC protocols at the farm and packing level before export
Define and communicate bloom stage specifications, packaging standards, and temperature requirements
per flower type
Establish a photo/video QC sign-off process for every shipment before it leaves India
Investigate and resolve quality complaints; implement corrective actions within 48 hours
5. Cost Management & Reporting
Target a 15% reduction in landed cost per kg within the first 3 months through vendor renegotiation and
logistics optimisation
Maintain detailed cost tracking: farm gate price, packing, freight, USDA fees, customs duties, and last-mile
cost
Provide weekly procurement reports to the CEO covering cost per shipment, vendor performance, and
compliance status
Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities without compromising freshness or compliance
Required Qualifications
Experience
3–5 years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience in agri-exports, floriculture, perishables, or
FMCG
Proven experience managing India–international export shipments, preferably to the USA or Europe
Hands-on knowledge of USDA APHIS import regulations for plant products and cut flowers
Pay: ₹35,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Chennai District)
