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:
- Kempton Park, Gauteng 1619: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Education:
- Masters (Preferred)
Experience:
- Procurement: 8 years (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Afrikaans (Required)
Location:
- Kempton Park, Gauteng 1619 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 50% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application Deadline: 2025/08/29
