Procurement Officer - Agricultural Inputs

Placements24; Graafwater; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work

Medical aid & retirement funds

Home office allowance

Flexible hours

Career development

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading agricultural player near Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Procurement Officer to source fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and equipment for remote farming operations.

You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, ensure timely delivery, and stay compliant with SA regulations while leveraging digital tools and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3–5 years procurement experience in agricultural inputs or agribusiness.
• Deep understanding of agricultural practices, inputs, and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Identify and onboard suppliers of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection chemicals, and machinery parts.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules for best value.
• Monitor market trends for agricultural commodities and inputs.
• Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists on input requirements and quality standards.
• Ensure inputs meet regulatory, quality, and environmental standards.
• Manage procurement documentation including POs, invoices, and supplier agreements.
• Analyze spending patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Utilize procurement software to manage sourcing processes.
• Mitigate supply chain risks related to weather and market volatility.
• Provide regular reports on procurement activities and supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Contract Administration

Remote Communication

MS Office

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Supply Chain/BA

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural sector with operations near Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a dedicated Procurement Officer to manage the acquisition of essential agricultural inputs. This remote role will focus on sourcing high-quality fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and equipment necessary for the client's extensive farming operations. You will leverage digital tools and communication platforms to connect with a network of suppliers, negotiate terms, and ensure timely delivery of critical inputs to support the agricultural cycle. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional with agricultural knowledge to contribute significantly to a vital industry while enjoying the flexibility of a remote work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, crop protection chemicals, and machinery parts.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers to secure the best value and ensure supply continuity.
• Monitor global and local market trends for agricultural commodities and related inputs.
• Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists to understand specific input requirements and quality standards.
• Ensure all procured inputs meet regulatory compliance, quality specifications, and environmental standards.
• Manage procurement documentation, including purchase orders, invoices, and supplier agreements.
• Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies.
• Utilize procurement software and digital tools to manage the sourcing process effectively.
• Mitigate supply chain risks related to weather, market volatility, and geopolitical factors affecting agricultural inputs.
• Provide regular reports on procurement activities, market intelligence, and supplier performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement, with a strong emphasis on agricultural inputs or agribusiness.
• Deep understanding of agricultural practices, inputs, and relevant market dynamics.
• Proven negotiation, supplier management, and contract administration skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport remotely.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience with procurement or ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage responsibilities effectively in a fully remote setting.
• Knowledge of South African agricultural regulations and supply chains.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability to changing market conditions and crop cycles.

Benefits

• Competitive remote salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement funds.
• Allowance for home office setup and continuous professional development.
• Flexible working hours and the autonomy of a remote role.
• Opportunity to work with a leading organization in the South African agricultural sector.
• Direct impact on the efficiency and success of agricultural operations.