Vegetable Procurement Manager at McCain Foods

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

• The Vegetable Procurement Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of vegetable production and procurement of raw material to provide the appropriate volumes of raw material to the processing plant, in accordance with the Integrated Business Plan (IBP), at the appropriate time, place, cost and quality.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Implement and manage Vegetable Supply Strategy and plans to ensure assured supply to meet demand and production requirements.
• Implement and manage appropriate and effective short, medium and long term Vegetable Supply strategies to provide raw material at the appropriate time, quantity, cost and quality to the Processing

Grower / Farmer Management

• Implement a sustainable agriculture agenda, assessing on farm efficiency and cost of production, to drive and sustain continuous improvement
• Develop and grow farmer base and farmer relationships to ensure McCain Foods remains their preferred customer;
• Assist the McCain Extension officers with negotiation process with farmers;
• Ensure that Vegetable crops are planted and sourced in optimal areas (climate zones), at the volume (ton) rates the factory can process.
• Contract / source the required volumes and varieties of vegetables at the required price;
• Do buy-outs of additional raw vegetable as required.

Operational management of Extension officers and crop sampling staff

• The Extension Services Function is responsible for negotiating and contracting the required volume and quality of Raw Material to meet demand and production requirements
• Provide technical support to field officers and farmers.
• Manage / guide field sampling staff (pea TR machine operation, beans, sweetcorn, etc.).
• Manage / guide harvester field plans

Sustainable Cost Advantage (SCA) Develop and implement appropriate and effective SCA strategies and operational plans to:

• Support Improvement of crop yields and reduce costs of Growers, through advising on and implementing improved farming practices.
• Support Agronomy to provide New and Fit for Purpose vegetable varieties, resulting in increased yields and reduced costs;
• Reduce overhead costs without impairing the Function’s effectiveness
• Increase field yields through best farmer selection.

Compliance and Transformation

• Implementation and upkeep of McCain GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) Compliance with growers
• Ensure compliance to all regulatory requirements, relating to the contracting/procurement and production of raw material for the Processing Plant
• Ensure the appropriate Quality Assurance policies, procedures and systems are developed, implemented and adhered to by both Independent and own Growers (HACCP, ISO and Customer Specific audits, etc.).
• Promote and advance the compliance of McCain Foods to the appropriate Labour Legislation and BBBEE Codes

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Matric / Grade 12
• A Diploma/Degree in Agriculture (Crop Science)
   

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 – 7 years proven agriculture procurement / extension service experience preferably in the vegetable industry.
• Minimum 2 years management experience in the agricultural procurement / production environment.
• Practical application of AVCASA, BASOS (FSSA) and irrigation scheduling
• Competent in Microsoft office, (Excel, Power Point & Word) and SAP
• Well experienced in price negotiations with growers
   

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES:

• Drivers’ license, AVCASA, BASOS (FSSA) , Irrigation Scheduling
• Valid Driver’s License

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid drivers’ license
• No criminal record

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Competent negotiator with excellent conflict handling – and networking skills
• Good understanding of vegetable crop production & costs as well as managing challenges with these crops
• Excellent communication skills
• Resilient person with an excellent ability to motivate self and the team under very difficult circumstances.
• Strong self-management and goal orientated person that can function well in a team.
• Participative leadership style with the ability to anticipate and drive change