Fresh Opportunities at Lactalis South Africa

Job Description    
Join Lactalis and take on the challenge of the Procurement Manager role.

The purpose of this role is to manage the procurement operations of defined category responsibility, optimize the procurement strategy, drive cost savings, and ensure the efficient and effective sourcing of goods and services. This exciting career opportunity will enable you to apply your business acumen to ensure that the company achieves this challenging objective during the next phase of its growth 

Required Skills     

• Educational Background: University or similar degree – ideally in Procurement Management, Business Science, Industrial Engineering or related
•  Experience: Several years of experience in procurement, with a focus on category management.
•  Demonstrated success in negotiating contracts and achieving cost savings.
•  FMCG experience is preferred.
•  Understanding of sustainability and environmental practices within the food industry would be advantageous.
•  Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
•  Ability to analyze market data and make data-driven decisions.
•  Communication and Negotiation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•  Proven ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
•  Project Management: Project management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
•  Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems, and other relevant technologies.
•  Advanced computer knowledge skills – MS Office (MS PowerPoint and MS Excel) is of advantage.
•  Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and business requirements.
•  Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
•  Ability to travel locally to the local sites and sites in neighbouring African countries.
•  Planning / budgeting skills essential in this role

Duties and responsibilities:

• Works with cross functional teams to develop category sourcing and vendor management sourcing
• Analyses industry trends, identifies sources, strategic supplier and partners for solutions goods and services from both local and international in line with group objectives
• Travels into AA countries 2 – 3 weeks out of the month within minimum 1 week in Stellenbosch office
• Responsible for the implementation of the procurement policies of the Group at AA level
• General responsible for the achievement of the objectives and results at the country level;
• Responsible for monitoring procurement needs at AA level;
• Responsible for directing and efficient management of all tasks related to the purchase of the country and regular coordination with local GM;
• Manages and develops resources to deliver business partner satisfaction & achievement of overall business and financial objectives
• Delivers on cost reduction commitments through identification, development and execution of innovation strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Develops and implements efficiencies, standardized tools, practices and procedures.
• Implements and develops category management processes and reviews on regular basis to ensure relevance and compliance with best practises, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulatory policies.
• Assesses and reports on specific category & contract spend, conducting regular total cost analysis to track performance results.
• Establishes Total cost ownership practises and reinforces through regular benchmarking and periodic RFP’s.
• Works with cross functional teams to develop category sourcing and vendor management sourcing.
• Analyses industry trends, identifies sources, strategic supplier and partners for solutions goods and services from both local and international in line with group objectives.
• Travels into AA countries 2 – 3 weeks out of the month within minimum 1 week in Stellenbosch office
• Responsible for the implementation of the procurement policies of the Group at AA level
• General responsible for the achievement of the objectives and results at the country level;
• Responsible for monitoring procurement needs at AA level.
• Responsible for directing and efficient management of all tasks related to the purchase of the country and regular coordination with local GM.
• Manages and develops resources to deliver business partner satisfaction & achievement of overall business and financial objectives.
• Delivers on cost reduction commitments through identification, development and execution of innovation strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Develops and implements efficiencies, standardized tools, practices and procedures.
• Implements and develops category management processes and reviews on regular basis to ensure relevance and compliance with best practises, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulatory policies.
• Assesses and reports on specific category & contract spend, conducting regular total cost analysis to track performance results.
• Establishes Total cost ownership practises and reinforces through regular benchmarking and periodic RFP’s.
• Talent development within procurement