Senior Procurement Manager

Recruitpartners; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruitpartners in Durban is seeking a Senior Procurement Manager to lead packaging and raw materials procurement across the full product portfolio. This hands-on leadership role demands strategic sourcing, supplier management and working capital optimisation.

You will partner with R&D, Quality and Operations to develop commercially viable packaging solutions, negotiate terms, and drive cost savings while mentoring a team.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in raw materials or packaging procurement, including 5+ years in management.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Commerce or related field.
• Strong packaging tech knowledge and supplier management.
• Advanced Excel, ERP systems and data analytics.
• Proven negotiation and cost-saving track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging procurement across the full product portfolio with quality and cost controls.
• Partner with R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Marketing on packaging solutions.
• Identify and evaluate international packaging innovations and suppliers.
• Manage procurement of key raw materials and fragrances to meet specs and supply needs.
• Develop alternative suppliers and sourcing strategies to mitigate risks.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships locally and internationally.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, MOQs and payment terms.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain supplier and pricing data in the ERP system.
• Utilise Excel models and ERP workflows to manage procurement processes.
• Support procurement processes within the MRP environment.
• Optimize order frequency, lead times and supplier terms for balance of availability and working capital.
• Analyse purchasing/inventory data to improve stock turns.
• Lead, coach and develop the procurement team.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Operations, Planning, Finance and Marketing to balance cost, quality, innovation and supply.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Packaging expertise

Advanced Excel

Negotiation

Team mentoring

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain / Commerce

Tools

Syspro

SAP

Job description

Senior Procurement Manager | Durban

Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Procurement Manager to lead the procurement function across raw materials and packaging. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong strategic sourcing capability, technical packaging expertise, supplier management, working capital optimisation and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the procurement of packaging across the full product portfolio, ensuring specifications, quality, manufacturing processes and commercial requirements are effectively managed.

• Partner with R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Marketing to develop commercially viable and technically fit-for-purpose packaging solutions.

• Identify and evaluate international packaging innovations, including new suppliers, technologies, materials and manufacturing capabilities.

• Manage the procurement of key raw materials and fragrances, ensuring specifications, quality and supply requirements are aligned with business needs.

• Develop alternative suppliers and sourcing strategies to mitigate supply and cost risks.

• Build and maintain strong local and international supplier relationships.

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities and payment terms.

• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.

• Maintain accurate supplier and pricing information within the ERP system.

• Utilise advanced Excel models, ERP procurement functionality and workflow systems to manage procurement processes.

• Support the development and implementation of procurement processes within the MRP environment.

• Optimise order frequency, minimum order quantities, lead times and supplier terms to balance availability, service, cost and working capital.

• Analyse purchasing and inventory data to improve stock turns and reduce unnecessary inventory holdings.

• Lead, coach and develop the procurement team, establishing clear objectives, performance standards and development plans.

• Collaborate closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, Planning, Finance and Marketing to balance cost, quality, innovation, speed-to-market and supply requirements.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Commerce or a related field.

• Minimun 8 years' relevant experience in raw material and/or packaging procurement, including at least 5 years at management level.

• Strong technical understanding of packaging materials, specifications, manufacturing processes and technical requirements.

• Advanced Excel skills with strong numerical and analytical ability.

• Proven supplier management and negotiation skills, with a track record of delivering cost savings.

• Experience managing, mentoring and developing a team.

• Willingness to travel locally and internationally.

Advantageous:

• Experience in a high-growth, fast-paced business.

• Experience managing working capital and inventory within a high-SKU FMCG environment.

• Experience using ERP procurement functionality, ideally Syspro or SAP.

• International sourcing experience, particularly identifying and implementing new packaging technologies, materials or innovations.

If you are a commercially minded procurement leader with strong packaging and raw material expertise, excellent supplier negotiation skills and the ability to drive both strategic and operational procurement, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing FMCG environment.