Procurement Specialist - FMCG Raw Materials

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Remote; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work with occasional site trips

Competitive salary

Medical aid contributions

Retirement plan

Annual leave and statutory benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage sourcing of raw materials for FMCG manufacturing. The role is remote with occasional site visits to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, requiring strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.

You will implement procurement best practices, monitor market trends, and ensure compliance with policies while collaborating with internal teams to maintain supply continuity and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4+ years’ experience in procurement within FMCG or related industries.
• Proven experience sourcing and managing raw materials or ingredients.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of procurement principles, contract management and supply chain dynamics.
• Proficiency with procurement software and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to build rapport with suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks in a remote setting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to sites near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure high-quality raw materials and ingredients for FMCG manufacturing.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers meeting quality, ethical and financial standards.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure reliable supply chains.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to optimize purchasing.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials with production and logistics.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of key suppliers.
• Prepare and analyze procurement reports highlighting savings and efficiencies.
• Collaborate with R&D and QA to ensure material suitability.

Skills

Procurement

Sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management/Procurement/Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a highly skilled and meticulous Procurement Specialist to manage the acquisition of raw materials. This remote position, with occasional site visits to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , requires a professional adept at sourcing high-quality ingredients and materials at competitive prices. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of supply for our client's manufacturing operations, contributing directly to the quality and cost-effectiveness of their products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of procurement best practices, excellent negotiation skills, and a keen eye for detail. This role offers a significant opportunity to impact the company's bottom line and to work within a dynamic and globally recognized organization. You will be responsible for identifying and qualifying new suppliers, managing existing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies and standards. The successful candidate is proactive, analytical, and committed to achieving optimal procurement outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure high-quality raw materials and ingredients for FMCG manufacturing in line with specifications and cost targets.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, ethical, and financial standards.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve the best possible value.
• Manage supplier relationships, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring reliable supply chains.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to anticipate fluctuations and optimize purchasing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all company procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials in collaboration with production and logistics teams.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of key suppliers.
• Prepare and analyze procurement reports, providing insights into cost savings and supply chain efficiencies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including R&D and Quality Assurance, to ensure material suitability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in procurement, specifically within the FMCG sector or related industries.
• Proven experience in sourcing and managing raw materials or ingredients.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of procurement principles, contract management, and supply chain dynamics.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively in a remote setting.
• Willingness to undertake occasional travel to operational sites near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Company-provided equipment for remote work.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• Annual leave and other statutory benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in procurement.
• Flexible remote working arrangement.