Procurement Manager

Role Purpose This role is about building a stronger sourcing engine. You will shape supplier networks, improve purchasing systems, and scale procurement processes so we can deliver raw materials reliably and affordably. Your focus will be on making buying predictable and measurable so production never stops. Your Growth & Impact Expand your commercial skills by managing key supplier relationships and high-value contracts. Build expertise in cost analysis and price negotiation to drive measurable savings. Strengthen your operations profile by owning end-to-end material flows and delivery metrics. Grow as a leader by mentoring junior buyers and collaborating with production and QA teams. Elevate your systems knowledge with exposure to ERP procurement modules and inventory controls. Requirements Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing Develop sourcing strategies for direct raw materials that balance cost, quality, and lead time. Run supplier selection, quotation comparisons, and total cost analysis for new and existing items. Negotiate prices, payment terms, and delivery schedules to achieve cost targets and predictable supply. Track market trends and suggest alternative materials or suppliers when risks appear. Supplier & Contract Management Manage supplier performance monitoring, including on-time delivery and quality KPIs. Draft, review, and maintain contracts and purchase agreements with practical risk controls. Run regular supplier reviews and implement improvement plans where performance slips. Coordinate supplier audits and ensure documentation meets food safety expectations. Operations & Delivery Oversee purchase order issuance, goods receipt, and supplier invoicing with finance reconciliation. Work with production planning to align deliveries to production schedules and safety stock levels. Monitor product delivery metrics and resolve logistics or quality hold issues quickly. Support continuous improvement projects to shorten lead times and reduce excess inventory. Requirements Qualifications & Experience Approximately 5 years of procurement experience, ideally within manufacturing or food ingredients. Proven experience at a supervisory or junior manager level handling direct materials purchasing. A diploma or degree in Supply Chain, Business, Food Science, or related field is preferred. Exposure to supplier audits, contract negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration is expected. Hard Skills & Knowledge Strong ability in price negotiation and cost breakdown analysis to secure competitive sourcing. Experience with vendor performance monitoring, supplier scorecards, and KPIs. Hands-on knowledge of direct materials sourcing, raw materials purchasing, and product delivery workflows. Familiarity with ERP procurement modules such as SAP MM or equivalent and advanced MS Excel skills. Soft Skills & Qualities Clear communicator who cooperates with production, QA, and finance to solve supply issues. Organised and pragmatic, able to prioritise urgent deliveries without losing sight of cost. Problem solver with attention to supplier relationships and a steady approach under pressure. Willingness to coach junior buyers and contribute to process improvements across teams.