Procurement Manager (Johannesburg)
Procurement ~ Supply Chain
Gauteng – South Africa
Procurement Manager | Johannesburg
Our client is looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to lead the sourcing and supply of raw materials and packaging for a manufacturing environment. The role is responsible for developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, controlling costs, and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of materials required for production. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to balance quality, cost efficiency, inventory levels, and operational requirements while driving continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Procurement
- Lead the procurement of raw materials (e.g., sugar, flavours, dry commodities and other ingredients) and packaging materials (e.g. PET, preforms, cans, labels, closures).
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies to identify high-quality, cost-effective suppliers and secure competitive pricing for raw materials and packaging.
- Continuously monitor market trends, material costs, and supply chain dynamics to make informed decisions and negotiate the best terms for the company.
Supplier Management
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers of raw materials and packaging.
- Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on quality, price, reliability, and sustainability.
- Manage supplier performance and resolve any issues related to quality, delivery timelines, or cost discrepancies.
- Collaborate with suppliers on product innovation, improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
Cost Control & Budget Management
- Lead the procurement budget for raw materials and packaging.
- Work with the finance team to forecast material costs, track spending, and ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings through negotiations, alternative sourcing, or process improvements.
Inventory and Demand Planning
- Work closely with the production and supply chain teams to forecast material requirements and ensure timely procurement of materials to meet production and sales demands.
- Work with the plant teams to manage inventory levels to prevent stockouts or excess inventory while optimizing working capital.
- Collaborate with plant teams to ensure smooth delivery and storage of materials.
Contract Negotiations
- Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms regarding cost, delivery, quality, and payment conditions.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements in all supplier agreements and contracts.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure that all raw materials and packaging materials meet the required quality standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with the quality control team to address any quality concerns with suppliers and ensure that materials are fit for use in production.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Drive sustainability efforts within the procurement process, sourcing eco-friendly packaging and materials.
- Work with suppliers and the internal team to promote environmentally responsible sourcing practices and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Team Leadership & Development
- Act as a leader and mentor to the team providing guidance, training, and development opportunities.
- Foster a collaborative and efficient working environment, ensuring alignment with company goals and procurement objectives.
- Continuously evaluate team performance and implement improvements to procurement processes.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or Business Administration.
- Professional procurement qualifications (e.g. CIPS, CPSM) advantageous.
- Minimum 5 years’ procurement experience, including at least 3 years in a management role.
- Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and cost control.
- Knowledge of supply chain, inventory management, demand planning, and procurement best practices.
- Strong commercial, financial, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Experience working with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Please feel free to apply for this role should you meet the above requirements.