Job Description

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