Senior Procurement Manager Job Umhlanga KwaZulu-Natal South Africa,Supply Chain/Logistics

Location: Umhlanga

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Senior Procurement Manager to lead the procurement function, including both raw and packaging materials.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong combination of strategic sourcing, technical packaging expertise, raw material procurement, working capital management and team leadership.

Packaging Procurement & Technical Expertise

Manage the procurement of all packaging across the product portfolio.
Apply strong technical packaging knowledge to evaluate specifications, materials, manufacturing processes, quality requirements and commercial implications.
Partner closely with R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Marketing to develop packaging solutions that are commercially viable, technically fit-for-purpose and aligned with brand requirements.
Source and evaluate new packaging innovations internationally, including identifying overseas suppliers, technologies, materials and manufacturing capabilities.

Raw Material Procurement

Manage the procurement of key raw materials and fragrances.
Work cross-functionally to ensure raw material specifications, quality standards and supply requirements are aligned with business needs.
Proactively identify alternative suppliers and sourcing opportunities to mitigate supply and cost risks.

Supplier Management

Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring competitive pricing, quality, service levels and supply continuity.
Negotiate annual/quarterly pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities and payment terms with local and international suppliers.
Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.

Data Management and IT Systems

Ensure the accurate maintenance of pricing information and supplier information within the company's ERP system.
Utilise complex excel models, the Syspro procurement module and workflow management
software to manage the current procurement order processes
Develop the procurement processes relating to the Syspro MRP module that is currently being implemented for procurement, planning and scheduling.

Working Capital & Inventory Management

Optimise order frequency, minimum order quantities, lead times and supplier terms to balance availability, service levels, cost and working-capital requirements.
Analyse SKU-level purchasing and inventory data to identify opportunities to improve stock turns and reduce unnecessary inventory holdings without compromising customer service.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and develop a young procurement team, building capability, accountability and commercial acumen.
Set clear objectives, performance standards and development plans for team members.
Provide coaching and hands-on guidance where necessary.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Ability to partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, Planning, Finance and Marketing teams from both the local business and our international owners.
Balance cost, quality, innovation, speed-to-market and supply considerations when making procurement decisions.

Requirements for the role

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Commerce.
8–10 years' relevant raw material and/or packaging procurement experience, with 5 years at management level.
Strong technical understanding of packaging, including packaging materials, specifications, manufacturing processes and technical requirements.
Advanced Excel and strong numerical/analytical skills.
Strong supplier management/negotiation skills and a record of delivering cost savings.
Willingness to travel, both locally and internationally.
Experience in managing, mentoring and developing a team.

Advantageous Experience

Working in a high growth and fast paced business.
Managing working capital and inventory in a high-SKU FMCG environment.
Use of procurement functionality within an ERP system, ideally Syspro or SAP.
Sourcing new packaging technologies, materials or innovations internationally and successfully implementing these solutions in a local market.

Key Competencies

A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-oriented mindset.
Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
Strong execution and follow-through.
High level of drive, energy and self-motivation.
Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to operate at pace in a high-growth environment.
Team leadership and development.