Senior Procurement Specialist - Wine Industry Supplies

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to manage all wine-production related purchases, including packaging, vineyard supplies, and processing equipment. The role combines on-site engagement with remote flexibility to optimize supplier performance and costs.

You will develop strategic procurement plans, negotiate with suppliers, and partner with viticulture, winemaking, and finance teams to ensure quality and regulatory compliance in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of procurement experience, preferably in the food & beverage or agricultural sectors.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and achieve cost reductions.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials and agricultural inputs relevant to wine.
• Experience with ERP and procurement software systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for direct and indirect spend related to wine production.
• Source high-quality materials and services (bottles, corks, labels, vineyard supplies, processing equipment).
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and contracts with local and international suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliability and quality.
• Conduct market research to identify cost-saving opportunities and trends in the wine supply chain.
• Manage inventory levels for critical supplies to prevent production disruptions.
• Collaborate with viticulture, winemaking, marketing, and finance teams to align procurement with business goals.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, food safety standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze procurement data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

A renowned winery group in the picturesque Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to manage the acquisition of all necessary supplies, including packaging materials, agricultural inputs, processing equipment, and operational consumables. This role is essential for ensuring the quality and cost-effectiveness of supplies that directly impact the production of world-class wines. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier management to optimize the procurement process within the unique context of the wine industry. This hybrid position offers a blend of on-site engagement in the heart of the winelands and remote flexibility, contributing to the operational excellence of a leading South African wine producer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for all direct and indirect spend related to wine production.
• Source high-quality materials and services, including bottles, corks, labels, vineyard supplies, and processing equipment.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and contracts with local and international suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers, ensuring reliability and quality.
• Conduct market research to identify cost-saving opportunities and emerging trends in the wine industry supply chain.
• Manage inventory levels for critical supplies to prevent disruptions in production.
• Collaborate with viticulture, winemaking, marketing, and finance teams to align procurement activities with business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, food safety standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze procurement data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, with a strong preference for experience within the food and beverage or agricultural sectors, particularly wine.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and achieve significant cost reductions.
• Excellent understanding of packaging materials and agricultural inputs relevant to the wine industry.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid setup.
• Knowledge of the South African wine region supply chain and key suppliers in Stellenbosch.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to sustainable and ethical procurement practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a retirement fund.
• Professional development opportunities are available to enhance skills and career growth.
• The hybrid work model supports a healthy work-life balance.