Procurement Specialist - FMCG Raw Materials

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Diverse supplier exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Procurement Specialist for our FMCG client based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will source and negotiate for raw materials and packaging, build supplier relationships, and drive cost savings while ensuring material quality for manufacturing operations.

You will collaborate with R&D, production, and QA to meet specifications, manage inventory, and support ethical procurement practices in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 3–5 years of procurement/purchasing experience in FMCG, with focus on raw materials.
• Proven negotiation skills and supplier contract management.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, inventory management, and cost analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel; ERP/Procurement software experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, packaging, and supplies for FMCG production.
• Build and maintain relationships with a network of suppliers.
• Analyze markets to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure competitive pricing.
• Manage supplier performance, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards are followed.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and QA to meet material specs.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supply chain principles

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

MS Excel

ERP / Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a skilled Procurement Specialist to manage the sourcing and acquisition of raw materials. This critical role, based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, will be responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of high-quality ingredients and packaging materials essential for our client's manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics within the FMCG sector, and a commitment to building robust supplier relationships. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to operational efficiency and product quality within a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, packaging, and other supplies essential for FMCG production.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with a network of reliable suppliers.
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure competitive pricing.
• Manage supplier performance, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including R&D, production, and quality assurance, to meet material specifications and requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage lead times to prevent stockouts and minimize carrying costs.
• Negotiate contract terms and conditions with suppliers to secure favourable agreements.
• Identify and assess potential new suppliers to enhance sourcing options and mitigate risks.
• Stay updated on industry trends and market intelligence relevant to raw material sourcing in the FMCG sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, with a significant focus on raw materials within the FMCG industry.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience in managing supplier contracts.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and inventory management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with procurement software or ERP systems is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Paid annual leave and other statutory entitlements.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in procurement best practices.
• Exposure to diverse raw materials and supply chains in the FMCG sector.
• Collaborative work environment with experienced professionals.
• Chance to contribute to cost optimization and product quality.
• Employee assistance program and wellness support.
• Career growth prospects within a leading FMCG company.