Procurement Manager Fresh Fruit
- South Africa
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead 12-week rolling procurement plans across departments.
- Develop sourcing strategies aligned with business needs, seasonality, and forecasts.
- Ensure alignment with both local and export business models.
- Build and maintain relationships with fruit growers and packaging suppliers.
- Evaluate supplier performance against ethical, technical, and sustainability standards (e.g., BRC, Sedex, internal codes of conduct).
- Conduct regular farm and supplier site visits for relationship management and audit compliance.
- Oversee the receipt, inspection, storage, and movement of raw materials.
- Ensure accurate GRNs and stock records using ERP systems (e.g., Sage X3, Power Query, RedZone).
- Maintain ≤5% variance between theoretical and physical stock.
- Enforce strict cold chain handling procedures for perishable inventory.
- Uphold ethical sourcing policies and traceability protocols.
- Ensure compliance with documentation requirements (COAs, specifications, food safety certifications).
- Monitor inbound logistics and customs documentation for imported goods.
- Lead the procurement, stock control, and packaging administration team.
- Set clear KPIs for buyers, stock controllers, and warehouse support staff.
- Train team members in traceability, hygiene standards, and ERP usage.
- Deliver monthly procurement reports to senior management.
- Achieve targeted cost savings or cost avoidance across key spend categories.
- Maintain updated supplier price files and historical data.
- ≥ 99% OTIF (On Time In Full) on material availability
- ≤ 5% stock variance across all categories
- ≥ 3% annual procurement savings
- ≥ 95% compliance in supplier audits
- 100% traceability and specification compliance for raw materials
- Timely reporting (monthly reports, PO trackers, weekly dashboards)
- Grade 12 minimum; tertiary qualification in Procurement, Agri-Business, or Supply Chain preferred.
- 5+ years in a senior procurement or stock control role within FMCG, agriculture, or fresh produce sectors.
- Proven experience with fruit growers, packaging suppliers, and cold chain logistics.
- Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
- Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., Sage X3), Excel (Advanced), and Power Query.
- Familiarity with BRC standards, food safety protocols, and ethical audit systems.
- Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Ethical, disciplined, and self-motivated.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Detail-oriented with strong planning and reporting capabilities.
- Collaborative leadership style.
- Office-based with regular exposure to cold rooms, warehouses, and supplier sites.
- Cold room walkthroughs (~4°C) and extended hours during peak season (Sept-Mar).
- Domestic travel required for supplier and grower engagement.