Lead Procurement Executive/ Specialist

**1. Job Purpose**

The Group Lead Procurement Executive / Specialist will oversee and manage the procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management for fresh produce both locally and internationally. This role ensures that the organisation maintains reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective access to high-quality produce while complying with food safety standards, ethical trade requirements, and global market demands.

**2. Key Responsibilities**

**Strategic Procurement & Sourcing**
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for fresh produce aligned with business objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers locally (South Africa, regionally and globally.
- Ensure sourcing strategies optimise cost, quality, and availability of fresh produce.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable commercial terms, payment structures, and contracts.

**Supplier & Vendor Management**
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships across multiple geographies.
- Conduct supplier performance reviews and audits focusing on **quality, food safety, ethical sourcing (ETI Base Code, Sedex, GlobalG.A.P., etc.)**, and reliability.
- Ensure supplier compliance with South African legislation (DAFF, PPECB, PPECB Act, Agricultural Products Standards Act, etc.) and international export/import regulations.

**Market Intelligence & Analysis**
- Monitor local and international fresh produce market trends, seasonality, and pricing.
- Analyse global supply chain risks and opportunities (e.g., weather patterns, logistics disruptions, currency fluctuations).
- Benchmark procurement performance against industry best practices.

**Operational Procurement**
- Oversee end-to-end procurement activities: growing programme planning,demand planning, ordering, logistics, and inbound supply chain management.
- Collaborate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure efficient cold chain management.
- Collaborate with national retail buying teams.

**Compliance, Risk & Sustainability**
- Ensure procurement activities align with **South African Food Safety Standards** (HACCP, ISO 22000, R962) and global certification schemes.
- Drive ethical and sustainable sourcing practices in line with **ETI Base Code, Sedex, Fairtrade, and ESG initiatives**.
- Manage risk assessments, contract compliance, and supplier due diligence.

**Cross-functional Collaboration**
- Work closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Sales & Marketing, and Finance teams to align procurement strategies with company growth.
- Support product development by sourcing new varieties, innovative packaging solutions, and competitive suppliers.

**Leadership & Team Management**
- Lead, develop and mentor the procurement team, setting performance targets and KPIs.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, negotiation excellence, and supplier innovation.

**3. Key Competencies & Skills**

**Technical Skills**
- Strong knowledge of **South African vegetable/salad grower base to support year round desired service level.**
- Expertise in **global sourcing, cross-border trade, and international procurement contracts**.
- Proficiency in **import/export documentation, tariffs, and trade compliance**.
- Understanding of **cold chain logistics and perishables supply chain management**.
- Familiarity with **ERP / procurement systems** (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, etc.).

**Behavioural Competencies**
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
- High ethical standards with focus on compliance and integrity.
- Ability to build strategic supplier partnerships.
- Resilient under pressure and adaptable to fast-changing market conditions
- Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring ability.
- Positive solution driven attitude.
- We looking for the next generation of leaders to take the buisness forward into the future, excellent growth potential.

**4. Minimum Requirements**

**Education**
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Agriculture, Food Technology, or Business Administration.
- Postgraduate qualification (MBA / CIPS certification) is advantageous.

**Experience**
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in **procurement of vegetables & salad raw material/ categories**, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven track record of managing **local and international supplier networks**.
- Demonstrated success in high-volume, fast-paced FMCG environments.

**Licenses & Certifications (advantageous but not mandatory)**
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)
- GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP certifications knowledge
- Trade compliance certification

**5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**
- Group Service Level. Delivery against, growing programmes & orders.
- Product yield against budget.
- Product quality delivered to specification.
- Procurement cost savings vs. budget.
- Supplier compliance (audit scores, ethical trade compliance).
- Fresh produce quality accepta