Lead Procurement Executive/ Specialist

FRESH TO GO
R 331 826 - R 420 166 a year
City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng
Full time
1 day ago

1. Job Purpose

The Group Lead Procurement Executive / Specialist will oversee and manage the procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management for fresh produce both locally and internationally. This role ensures that the organisation maintains reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective access to high-quality produce while complying with food safety standards, ethical trade requirements, and global market demands.

2. Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Sourcing

· Develop and implement procurement strategies for fresh produce aligned with business objectives.

· Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers locally (South Africa, regionally and globally.

· Ensure sourcing strategies optimise cost, quality, and availability of fresh produce.

· Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable commercial terms, payment structures, and contracts.

Supplier & Vendor Management

· Build and maintain strong supplier relationships across multiple geographies.

· Conduct supplier performance reviews and audits focusing on quality, food safety, ethical sourcing (ETI Base Code, Sedex, GlobalG.A.P., etc.), and reliability.

· Ensure supplier compliance with South African legislation (DAFF, PPECB, PPECB Act, Agricultural Products Standards Act, etc.) and international export/import regulations.

Market Intelligence & Analysis

· Monitor local and international fresh produce market trends, seasonality, and pricing.

· Analyse global supply chain risks and opportunities (e.g., weather patterns, logistics disruptions, currency fluctuations).

· Benchmark procurement performance against industry best practices.

Operational Procurement

· Oversee end-to-end procurement activities: growing programme planning,demand planning, ordering, logistics, and inbound supply chain management.

· Collaborate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure efficient cold chain management.

· Collaborate with national retail buying teams.

Compliance, Risk & Sustainability

· Ensure procurement activities align with South African Food Safety Standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, R962) and global certification schemes.

· Drive ethical and sustainable sourcing practices in line with ETI Base Code, Sedex, Fairtrade, and ESG initiatives.

· Manage risk assessments, contract compliance, and supplier due diligence.

Cross-functional Collaboration

· Work closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Sales & Marketing, and Finance teams to align procurement strategies with company growth.

· Support product development by sourcing new varieties, innovative packaging solutions, and competitive suppliers.

Leadership & Team Management

· Lead, develop and mentor the procurement team, setting performance targets and KPIs.

· Foster a culture of continuous improvement, negotiation excellence, and supplier innovation.

3. Key Competencies & Skills

Technical Skills

· Strong knowledge of South African vegetable/salad grower base to support year round desired service level.

· Expertise in global sourcing, cross-border trade, and international procurement contracts.

· Proficiency in import/export documentation, tariffs, and trade compliance.

· Understanding of cold chain logistics and perishables supply chain management.

· Familiarity with ERP / procurement systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, etc.).

Behavioural Competencies

· Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.

· Strong analytical and commercial acumen.

· High ethical standards with focus on compliance and integrity.

· Ability to build strategic supplier partnerships.

· Resilient under pressure and adaptable to fast-changing market conditions

· Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring ability.

· Positive solution driven attitude.

· We looking for the next generation of leaders to take the buisness forward into the future, excellent growth potential.

4. Minimum Requirements

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Agriculture, Food Technology, or Business Administration.

· Postgraduate qualification (MBA / CIPS certification) is advantageous.

Experience

· Minimum 10 years’ experience in procurement of vegetables & salad raw material/ categories, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.

· Proven track record of managing local and international supplier networks.

· Demonstrated success in high-volume, fast-paced FMCG environments.

Licenses & Certifications (advantageous but not mandatory)

· CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)

· GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP certifications knowledge

· Trade compliance certification

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Group Service Level. Delivery against , growing programmes & orders.

· Product yield against budget.

· Product quality delivered to specification.

· Procurement cost savings vs. budget.

· Supplier compliance (audit scores, ethical trade compliance).

· Fresh produce quality acceptance rates.

· On-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery performance.

· New supplier development and innovation pipeline.

· Risk mitigation effectiveness (currency, logistics, weather disruptions).

· Team development and retention.

6. Working Conditions

· Based in South Africa, with frequent travel to farms, supplier facilities, and international markets.

· Flexible to work extended hours and adapt to seasonal supply chain demands.

· High-pressure environment with fluctuating demand and perishable goods constraints.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

Education:

Experience:

Language:

Location:

Willingness to travel:

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 2025/08/29

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