Procurement Category Manager

Lactalis South Africa; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company is seeking a Category Manager to oversee procurement operations and optimize strategies in Western Cape. The ideal candidate should have several years of experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills. Responsibilities include developing procurement plans, managing supplier relationships, and analyzing market trends. The role requires adaptability and a proactive approach to achieving cost savings while ensuring compliance with regulations. A degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

Travel opportunities within Africa

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in procurement with a focus on category management.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating contracts and achieving cost savings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for assigned categories.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers.
• Conduct sourcing activities to identify potential suppliers.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Project Management

Adaptability

Education

University degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Science, Industrial Engineering or related

Tools

MS Office

Procurement software

ERP systems

Job description

Role Overview

Join Lactalis at our offices in Western Cape and take on the challenge of the Category Manager role. The purpose of this role is to manage the procurement operations of defined category responsibility, optimize the procurement strategy, drive cost savings, and ensure the efficient and effective sourcing of goods and services. This exciting career opportunity will enable you to apply your business acumen to ensure that the company achieves this challenging objective during the next phase of its growth in Southern Africa.

Requirements

• Educational Background: University or similar degree - ideally in Supply Chain Management, Business Science, Industrial Engineering or related

• Experience: Several years of experience in procurement, with a focus on category management. Demonstrated success in negotiating contracts and achieving cost savings. FMCG experience is preferred. Understanding of sustainability and environmental practices within the food industry would be advantageous

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail. Ability to analyze market data and make data-driven decisions.

• Communication and Negotiation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Project Management: Project management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems, and other relevant technologies. Advanced computer knowledge skills - MS Office (MS PowerPoint and MS Excel) is of advantage

• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and business requirements. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to travel locally to the local sites and sites in neighboring African countries

Duties and Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development:
  • Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for assigned categories.
  • Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices to inform category strategies.
  • Periodic budget preparation, analysis, and tracking
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve cost savings and ensure high-quality goods or services.
• Sourcing and Procurement:
  • Conduct sourcing activities to identify potential suppliers and assess their capabilities.
  • Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from supplier selection to contract execution.
  • Oversee and support function for African countries
• Cost Management:
  • Monitor and control costs within assigned categories.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement efficiency improvements.
• Risk Management:
  • Assess and mitigate risks related to suppliers, market conditions, and geopolitical factors.
  • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Compliance and Regulations:
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
  • Implement ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
• Performance Metrics and Reporting:
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure category performance.
  • Vendor Management & Evaluation
  • Generate reports and analysis to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as finance, operations, and legal teams, to align procurement strategies with overall business goals. (includes Africa)
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices.

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