Fresh Jobs at Lactalis South Africa

Job Description    

• We are seeking an experienced and strategic Category Packaging Buyer to join our procurement team at Lactalis SA, a leading dairy manufacturing company. The Category Packaging Buyer will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies for packaging materials, working closely with the global center of excellence, and ensuring cost-effective and efficient procurement processes. This role requires strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of upstream and downstream purchasing, cost models, and logistics.

Required Skills    

• 3 Year tertiary or similar degree – ideally in Supply Chain Management, Business Science, Industrial Engineering or related
• 3-5 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on category management.
• FMCG experience is preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and cost management.
• Ability to develop and implement effective category strategies.
• Experience working with global centers of excellence and leveraging best practices.
• Understanding of the entire procurement process from raw material sourcing to final delivery.
• Ability to analyze and optimize cost models for packaging materials
• Experience in sourcing and purchasing raw materials
• Knowledge of material origination and its impact on procurement.
• Basic understanding of shipping and logistic costs.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Develop and implement category strategies for packaging materials in alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with the global center of excellence to leverage best practices and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage the procurement of packaging materials, including raw materials and material origination.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on price, quality, delivery speed, and sustainability.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to achieve the best possible outcomes for the company.
• Prepare and process purchase orders and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Monitor and track indices for all packaging materials to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Analyze cost models and develop strategies to optimize procurement costs.
• Understand and manage upstream and downstream purchasing processes.
• Maintain and update supplier databases and procurement records.
• Collaborate with various departments to understand their packaging material needs and ensure timely fulfillment.
• Assist in resolving any issues related to delivery, quality, or pricing discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain a basic understanding of shipping and logistic costs.
• Identify and implement synergies across business units to drive integration and simplification.
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Stay updated on market trends and industry best practices to make informed purchasing decisions

Deadline:31st October,2026

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• Join Lactalis at our offices in Western Cape and take on the challenge of the Category Manager – Raw Materials and Ingredients role. The purpose of this role is to manage the procurement operations of defined category responsibility, increasing the spend coverage and identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. 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 in South Africa.

Required Skills    

• University or similar degree – ideally in Supply Chain Management, Business Science, Industrial Engineering or related
• Minimum 5 years work experience, ideally in Procurement
• FMCG experience is preferred
• A good understanding of Supply Chain and Procurement principles and standards
• Understanding of sustainability and environmental practices within the food industry would be advantageous
• Experience in managing relationships with key suppliers
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• 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
• Continuous Improvement mindset with the focus on cost saving and compliance
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to lead a team of procurement professionals

Duties & Responsibilities    
Category Management:

• Multi-Sourcing, tender management, negotiation, contracts
• Category strategies of top spend category’s
• Supplier performances review
• Consolidation (suppliers), synergies & coordination between countries
• Implementation of Systems & Procedures where applicable
• Strategic Sourcing Management
• Risks Management: Identification and counter measures in place
• Drive Savings Initiatives (Value analysis, new suppliers, etc.): Identification & Implementation
• Manage and improve overall suppliers’ performances
• Escalation Management
• Stakeholders Management (Internal: Industrial, Mktg, R&D, Quality, supply chain)
• Contribute to innovation and fast route to market
• Project Management in terms of:
• Value analysis, (role player)
• Supplier change overs
• New product launches.
• Dual Sourcing – the scope to still be extended
• Vendor Management & Evaluation
• Vendor Audits in association with Quality Dept
• Negotiation and Supplier Relationship Management
• Item and vendor Code Creation – Data collection
• Contract Creation
• Indirect Spend Coverage
• Coordination with production planning on potential supply concerns– S&OP
• Vendor payment Reconciliation
• Risk assessment & Mitigation
• Vendor governance
• Ensure quality, service level and cost of goods/service procured is delivered to agreed contracts.
• Analyse KPI performance of supplier portfolio to identify additional savings other improvement opportunities
• Periodic budget preparation, analysis and tracking of own supplier portfolio
• Ensure Master data is maintained
• Support implementation of global and local procurement standard and all processes within procurement policy
• Participates in development of strategy.

Deadline:31st October,2026

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Job Description    

• This role oversees the financial reporting of the Distribution Centre & relevant factory shop. The admin manager role is a vital part of the supply chain process, managing people, processes, and systems to ensure financial and fiduciary integrity from Procure-to-pay, inventory reporting, budget preparations and asset verification. An exciting career opportunity at Lactalis SA will enable you to play your part in ensuring that the company achieves its challenging objectives during the next phase of its growth in South Africa.

Required Skills    

• Bachelor of Commerce Degree 
• Proven track record in financial management, systems implementation and controls.
• At least 5 years post qualification experience in a financial function or management control function in a logistics environment. Experience in a FMCG would be advantageous.
• Proven people management skills
• Good analytical skills, accuracy and detail-orientated, Computer literacy: Advanced Excel and related MS Office Packages.
• Knowledge of BPCS System or similar ERP System and Reporting Tools is preferred
• Customer orientated, assertiveness and problem solving skills.
• Result driven, business acumen and good decision making as well as strong leadership skills
• SA unendorsed drivers license required  

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Managing internal processes by ensuring that all procedures are implemented and in place on  all the financial functions, including - stock control, systems, assets, driver accounts and  creditors. 
• Management of the budget process and financial forecast on a monthly basis. 
• Managing Internal and external audits on controls, procedures and general accepted  accounting principles with corrective action plans. 
• Manage all fixed assets through verification process, compile and submit CAPEX requests  with the relevant ROI for assets procured. 
• Weekly reporting of sales, returns and losses. 
• Ensure adherence to OHS ACT, BCEA legislations and use the company’s disciplinary  guidelines as a medium to drive improved result by creating a safe, clean and sustainable  environment for all employees and future generations by driving governance to reduce risk. 
• Build a collaborative relationship with the head office finance department and other  distribution centres to ensure accurate financial reporting on a daily, weekly, and monthly  frequency. 
• Taking ownership and control of the financial reporting model including variance analysis 
• Create shareholder value by driving down costs, increasing productivity and identify  opportunities for cost reduction. Increasing cash flow, daily reporting and team feedback  sessions and performance trackers. 
• Ensure completion of KPI’s through optimal collaboration with various stakeholders for  timeous submission. 
• Maintain high quality service and interaction with clients, suppliers and other departments. 
• Manage Factory shop reporting and controlling of internal processes, reporting, product  pricing & compliance. 
• Management of people to create an environment to drive sustainability through the  appointment of the right people, management of poor performance, and the development of  robust tools and processes. 
• Plan and co-ordinate the daily activities of the administration team through an optimized  administration structure, agreed job descriptions and established measures of success.

Deadline:6th November,2026