Procurement Manager

Position Overview:

We are looking for an accomplished Procurement Manager to lead and optimize our sourcing operations. This pivotal role involves overseeing the end-to-end procurement process, from identifying reliable suppliers to ensuring that the business receives quality products at the best possible value. Experience in the retail industry will be a significant advantage, as this role requires managing the supply needs of multiple retail outlets while balancing costs, timelines, and inventory levels.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Leadership:

• Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies that align with the company’s business objectives.
• Ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining the highest standards of quality and supplier reliability.
• Lead the negotiation of contracts, pricing agreements, and terms to secure the best deals and long-term relationships with suppliers.

2. Supplier & Vendor Management:

• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with both local and international suppliers to ensure a stable supply chain.
• Build strong partnerships with key suppliers, negotiate favourable terms, and foster continuous improvement in supplier performance.
• Implement a system to regularly assess supplier capabilities, ensuring they meet quality and delivery standards.

3. Cost Control & Budgeting:

• Oversee and manage the procurement budget, ensuring all expenditures align with company financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, while maintaining product quality and ontime delivery.
• Collaborate with the finance team to track and report on cost performance metrics.

4. Retail Specific Procurement (Preferred Experience):

• Manage the procurement of goods and services specific to retail operations, ensuring stock availability across multiple store locations.
• Forecast product demand based on sales trends and inventory levels, adjusting procurement plans as necessary to support retail operations.
• Work closely with the retail operations team to balance stock between central warehouses and retail outlets, optimizing product availability without overstocking.

5. Process Optimization:

• Continuously review and improve procurement policies, procedures, and systems to ensure efficient operations and reduce lead times.
• Implement best practices in procurement, including sustainable sourcing, supplier risk management, and cost saving initiatives.
• Leverage technology (ERP systems, procurement software) to streamline procurement workflows, increase transparency, and ensure data accuracy.

6. Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the procurement team, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities to enhance the team's skill set and align with evolving business needs.
• Set clear objectives, monitor progress, and conduct regular performance reviews for team members.

7. Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation, including contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and supplier agreements.
• Proactively identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.

8. Cross functional Collaboration:

• Partner with key internal stakeholders including the sales, retail operations, and finance teams to align procurement activities with business priorities.
• Facilitate communication between the procurement department and other teams to ensure smooth product availability, timely deliveries, and efficient inventory management.

Requirements

1. Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of procurement experience, preferably in retail.

2. Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.

3. Analytical Skills:

• Ability to analyze market trends and forecast demand.

4. Leadership:

• Experience leading a procurement team and managing budgets.

5. Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.