Procurement Manager (Raw Materials-Personal Care), South Coast KZN at Dixie Recruitment

Job Description

• Our client is looking for an exceptionally intelligent, commercially astute and strategically minded Procurement Manager to lead the purchasing of raw materials and fragrances within a leading FMCG manufacturing environment. This role is suited to an experienced procurement professional with outstanding analytical ability, advanced mathematical skills and a proven track record of delivering cost savings, securing supply and building strong supplier partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' management experience in procurement within an FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience procuring raw materials, fragrances, chemicals or similar manufacturing inputs.
• Proven success negotiating with both local and international suppliers.
• Advanced mathematical, analytical and commercial skills with the ability to interpret complex costing models and procurement data.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP and data analytics.
• Experience using ERP systems such as Syspro or similar.
• Strong leadership ability with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives for raw materials and fragrances to ensure supply security, cost competitiveness and risk mitigation.
• Lead commercial negotiations, supplier selection and long-term contract management to maximise value for the business.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with local and international suppliers while driving continuous supplier performance improvement.
• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, ensuring purchasing activities support production requirements and operational efficiency.
• Analyse pricing trends, procurement spend and inventory performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved profitability.
• Partner with Production Planning to ensure optimal inventory levels that support uninterrupted manufacturing while reducing excess stock.
• Collaborate with Research and Development to source innovative raw materials and fragrances for new product development and product enhancements.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance to manage supplier compliance, quality standards and corrective actions.
• Drive procurement process improvements, reporting accuracy and data-driven decision-making across the function.
• Lead procurement initiatives that contribute to operational excellence, sustainable growth and long-term business success.