Procurement Manager Raw Materials and Packaging

This role reports to the Head of Procurement.

Direct Reports : 1 - Procurement Assistant - Raw Materials and Packaging

Job Summary :

The Procurement Manager for Raw Materials and Packaging will be responsible for managing the procurement of all raw materials and packaging supplies required for the production of various different beverage products. This role involves strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiations, and cost management to ensure high-quality materials are sourced efficiently and sustainably. The Procurement Manager will work closely with internal teams including production, quality control, research and development, marketing, logistics, and finance to meet production schedules while ensuring cost-efficiency and quality standards are maintained.

Raws and Packaging materials procured include but are not limited to : Sugar, PET, Cans, Flavours and Ingredients, Shrink Wrap, Pallet Wrap and Corrugates.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Procurement

Lead the procurement of raw materials (e.g., sugar, flavours, dry commodities and other ingredients) and packaging materials (e.g. PET, preforms, cans, labels, closures) for beverage production.

Develop and execute sourcing strategies to identify high-quality, cost-effective suppliers and secure competitive pricing for raw materials and packaging.

Continuously monitor market trends, material costs, and supply chain dynamics to make informed decisions and negotiate the best terms for the company.

Supplier Management

Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers of raw materials and packaging.

Evaluate and qualify new suppliers based on quality, price, reliability, and sustainability.

Manage supplier performance and resolve any issues related to quality, delivery timelines, or cost discrepancies.

Collaborate with suppliers on product innovation, improvements, and sustainability initiatives.

Cost Control & Budget Management

Lead the procurement budget for raw materials and packaging.

Work with the finance team to forecast material costs, track spending, and ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines.

Identify opportunities for cost savings through negotiations, alternative sourcing, or process improvements.

Inventory and Demand Planning

Work closely with the production and supply chain teams to forecast material requirements and ensure timely procurement of materials to meet production and sales demands.

Work with the plant teams to manage inventory levels to prevent stockouts or excess inventory while optimizing working capital.

Collaborate with plant teams to ensure smooth delivery and storage of materials.

Contract Negotiations :

Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms regarding cost, delivery, quality, and payment conditions.

Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements in all supplier agreements and contracts.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure that all raw materials and packaging materials meet the required quality standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

Collaborate with the quality control team to address any quality concerns with suppliers and ensure that materials are fit for use in beverage production.

Sustainability Initiatives

Drive sustainability efforts within the procurement process, sourcing eco-friendly packaging and materials.

Work with suppliers and the internal team to promote environmentally responsible sourcing practices and reduce the company's carbon footprint.

Team Leadership & Development

Act as a leader and mentor to the team providing guidance, training, and development opportunities.

Foster a collaborative and efficient working environment, ensuring alignment with company goals and procurement objectives.

Continuously evaluate team performance and implement improvements to procurement processes.

Key Focus Initiatives / Deliverables :

Cost

Target % reduction in group R / Case and Previous Year Actual Spend by Material Area

Market benchmarking analysis - local and global

Target cost modelling - open book

Reformulation and ingredient harmonization

Packaging innovation

Cash

Drive Just in Time and consignment stock best practices to reduce working capital and improve cash flow.

Target payment term extension on high spend suppliers - >

60 days

Compliance

Drive SLA contract execution and visibility on critical spend items / services

Monitor supplier performance through scorecard system

Drive service and quality adherence

Lead the introduction of a supplier partnering programme

Collaboration

Identify, empower and support SME suppliers to build dedicated capacity and grow capability in line with TBC growth strategy

Embed BBBEEE preferential procurement buying mentality in all functions

Partner with suppliers to develop and explore new technologies

Collaborate and drive sustainability in partnership with industry bodies - PETCO, Polyco, METPAC etc.

Key Performance Indicators :

Year on Year Actual Spend R / Case Reduction

Reduction of Supplier NCRs

Creditors Days Improvement

Working Capital Reduction

Plastics Material Usage

Supplier Reduction / Consolidation

No. of Signed Service Level Agreements

No. of Signed Enterprise and Supplier Development Agreements

Execution of the Supplier Partnering Programme

Qualifications, Experience and Skills :

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) is a plus

At least 5-7 years of experience in procur