Procurement Manager: Timber at TWK Agri

Job Summary

• This role involves overseeing procurement processes within the Timber division, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services required for operations.
• The role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier and contractor management, contract oversight, and procurement optimisation to support operational efficiency and divisional growth.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and implement procurement policies, procedures, and strategies aligned with divisional objectives
• Source and evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms, and manage supplier contracts
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and procurement efficiency improvements
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and reliability
• Evaluate supplier performance and negotiate contracts to secure favourable terms
• Oversee supplier performance and manage contract compliance, disputes, and resolutions
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to forecast demand and plan procurement activities
• Oversee the selection, onboarding, and evaluation of contractors
• Monitor contractor compliance with contractual terms, operational KPIs, and safety and environmental requirements
• Resolve contractor disputes and facilitate performance improvement plans
• Develop contractor performance dashboards and benchmarking tools
• Analyse contractor cost trends, utilisation, and efficiency
• Support operational teams in optimising contractor deployment and cost structures
• Negotiate contractor rates, service-level agreements (SLAs), penalties, and incentives
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle including drafting, negotiation, execution, renewal, and termination
• Maintain a centralised database of procurement and contractor agreements
• Ensure contractors meet contractual obligations, operational KPIs, and service-level agreements
• Conduct regular contractor performance reviews and implement improvement plans where required
• Ensure contractor compliance with safety, environmental, labour, and forestry regulations
• Collaborate with Legal and HSE departments on contract compliance, dispute resolution, and risk mitigation
• Perform cost analyses and benchmarking of contractor services to improve efficiency and reduce costs
• Partner with operational teams to align contractor capacity with harvesting, transport, silviculture, and maintenance requirements
• Oversee inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimise waste
• Coordinate with internal teams to forecast demand and plan procurement activities
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and standards
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement activities
• Analyse procurement performance and provide insights to support decision-making
• Prepare reports on procurement activities for senior management
• Lead and develop the procurement team and facilitate training and development opportunities

Qualifications and Skills

• Matric / Grade 12
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• A Master’s degree (advantageous)
• Professional certification such as CPSM or CIPS (advantageous)
• 5 – 7 years’ experience in a procurement management role, preferably within the timber or agricultural sector
• Extensive knowledge of procurement principles and practices
• Understanding of the timber industry and its supply chain dynamics
• Familiarity with procurement regulations, compliance standards, and risk management
• Experience with procurement and financial systems such as SAP, Oracle, AS400, and advanced Excel
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Strategic thinker who can drive improvements and add value to operational decision-making
• Adaptable and proactive, comfortable working in a dynamic environment
• Valid driver’s license (Code 08) and willingness to travel (including cross-border countries)
• Valid Passport
• Bilingual in English and Afrikaans (advantageous)