Procurement Manager - Food Ingredients

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Profit sharing

Professional development

Annual leave

Staff discounts

Relocation assistance

Welfare programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Procurement Manager in Bloemfontein to lead food ingredient sourcing and supplier relationships. You will develop sourcing strategies, analyze markets, negotiate contracts and drive cost savings while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a strong background in FMCG procurement for ingredients, cross-functional collaboration with R&D and production, and a focus on risk mitigation and inventory optimization. On-site position in Bloemfontein, SA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 6 years in procurement with food ingredients.
• Experience in supplier negotiation and contract management.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for all food ingredients.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers with due diligence and performance assessments.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to achieve cost savings.
• Manage existing supplier relationships and performance.
• Monitor ingredient markets for trends, risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D and Production to support new product development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and ethical sourcing.
• Manage inventory levels and forecast ingredient needs.
• Develop cost-saving initiatives and process improvements in procurement.
• Prepare reports on procurement performance, market intelligence and budget adherence.
• Mitigate supply chain risks and implement contingency plans.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Business/Food Science

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

Our client, a prominent FMCG manufacturer specializing in food products, is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Procurement Manager to lead their food ingredients sourcing operations. This role is responsible for developing and implementing robust procurement strategies to ensure the consistent supply of high-quality, cost-effective ingredients while managing supplier relationships and mitigating risks. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in food ingredient sourcing, market analysis, contract negotiation, and supply chain optimization. This is a critical position focused on maintaining operational continuity and contributing to product innovation and profitability. The role is based in Bloemfontein, Free State, a central location within South Africa's agricultural and manufacturing landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for all food ingredients, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and supply objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, conducting rigorous due diligence and performance assessments.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Manage existing supplier relationships, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring ongoing performance.
• Monitor global and local ingredient markets, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D and Production teams to understand ingredient requirements and support new product development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Manage inventory levels and forecast ingredient needs to prevent stockouts and minimize waste.
• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements within the procurement function.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement performance, market intelligence, and budget adherence.
• Mitigate supply chain risks related to ingredients and implement contingency plans.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or professional procurement certification (e.g., CIPS) is an advantage.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, with a significant focus on food ingredients within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successful supplier negotiation, contract management, and cost reduction.
• In-depth knowledge of food ingredient markets, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and inventory management techniques.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of ZAR .
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attendance at industry conferences.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Staff discounts on company products.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a stable FMCG organization in Bloemfontein .
• Be part of a team dedicated to ensuring the quality and supply of essential food ingredients.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate.
• Pension contributions and other employee welfare programs.