Officer – Procurement (RM)

Plant Lipids UK LTD; Ernakulam; On-site; INR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A spice procurement company in Ernakulam, Kerala is seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage raw materials for the spices category. The ideal candidate will have over a year of experience in procurement, focusing on cost-effective purchasing and quality compliance. Responsibilities include developing supply chain networks, conducting supplier assessments, and providing timely reporting to management. Knowledge of spices and excellent analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ years of work experience in the spices industry in a procurement role.

Responsibilities

• Procure raw materials for spices while controlling costs.
• Ensure quality compliance and conduct supplier audits.
• Develop supply chain networks for competitive pricing.
• Maintain accurate records and provide timely reports.
• Work collaboratively with the procurement team.

Skills

Strong knowledge of spices & herbs

Business and financial acumen

Analytical thinking

Sourcing and vendor evaluation

Cost management and negotiation

Education

Graduate / Postgraduate

MBA or specialization in Agriculture

Job description

Raw Material Procurement & Strategy

• Procure raw materials for the assigned spice category at the lowest cost while maintaining strict control over procurement spend.
• Maximise net margins by ensuring cost-effective purchasing of spices.
• Develop strong supply chain networks and establish new sources periodically to remain competitive.
• Manage assigned spice category portfolio by ensuring timely procurement of budgeted and indented materials and maintaining optimum stock levels.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure process adherence and SOP due diligence to minimise quality rejections upon delivery.
• Strengthen the supply chain with strict quality control measures.
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and evaluations periodically, documenting findings.
• Continuously improve specifications, terms, and conditions to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
• Implement, drive, and participate in sustainability and traceability programmes for selected spices.
• Develop knowledge on certifications such as IPM, organic standards, and sustainability programmes.

Collaboration & Knowledge Building

• Work with the wider procurement team to leverage procurement synergies.
• Gain comprehensive knowledge of assigned categories, including growing practices, harvesting methods, and supply chain processes.
• Follow established procurement SOPs and ensure alignment of workflows with HQ.
• Conduct periodic farm visits, supplier interactions, and crop surveys, submitting timely reports.

Reporting & Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of negotiations and purchases.
• Provide timely reporting of data and MIS to both PLC management and HQ.
• Set up systems to collect market intelligence on key spices, competitor activity, and emerging trends.

Professional Conduct & Skills

• Maintain the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and honesty in all dealings.
• Apply strong business, financial, and analytical acumen in decision-making.

Qualification

Graduate / Postgraduate. MBA or specialisation in Agriculture desirable.

Span of Experience

Minimum 1+ years of work experience in the spices industry in a procurement role.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of spices & herbs.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Analytical thinking.
• Sourcing, vendor identification and evaluation.
• Cost management and negotiation.
• Inventory and stock management.
• Supply chain and logistics coordination.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of EU/USA regulations on key spices.
• Understanding of farming practices and cost of cultivation.

Behavioural Competencies

• Integrity and professionalism in all dealings.
• Skilled in relationship building and negotiations.
• Result-driven, goal- and deadline-oriented.
• Ability to handle pressure, anticipate change, and react astutely.
• Exercise caution when dealing with third parties and avoid disclosure of procurement information.