The Senior Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for designated spend categories, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply of materials and services that support manufacturing and business operations. This role drives supplier performance, optimizes procurement processes, manages commercial agreements, and partners with cross-functional teams to achieve quality, cost, service, and sustainability objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Supply Planning
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business priorities and operational requirements.
- Secure uninterrupted availability of assigned materials or services while balancing cost, quality, and supply continuity.
- Analyze market conditions, pricing trends, and supply risks to support strategic purchasing decisions.
- Identify opportunities for value creation through supplier innovation, cost optimization, and process improvements.
Supplier Performance & Partnership
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with strategic suppliers and service providers.
- Establish supplier performance metrics and conduct regular business reviews.
- Lead supplier evaluations, qualification activities, and improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with suppliers to strengthen quality, service levels, and operational efficiency.
Commercial & Contract Management
- Lead commercial negotiations for pricing, payment terms, service agreements, and long-term contracts.
- Ensure contracts comply with company policies, legal requirements, and procurement standards.
- Monitor supplier commitments and contract performance throughout the agreement lifecycle.
- Resolve commercial issues and minimize supply-related risks.
Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within procurement processes and systems.
- Ensure compliance with procurement governance, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
- Utilize procurement technologies and ERP platforms to improve purchasing efficiency and reporting.
- Support inventory optimization and demand planning through close collaboration with Operations, Planning, Finance, and Quality teams.
Leadership & Capability Development
- Mentor procurement professionals and provide guidance on strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Promote best practices in supplier management, negotiation, and category management.
- Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives, training programs, and continuous capability development within the procurement organization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Postgraduate studies or professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CIPS, or equivalent are considered an advantage.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or procurement within a manufacturing environment, preferably in FMCG, food, or consumer products.
- Demonstrated success managing procurement for direct materials, indirect spend, packaging, or capital purchases.
- Strong commercial acumen with extensive experience in supplier negotiations and contract administration across local and international suppliers.
- Working knowledge of procurement best practices, category management, spend analysis, and supplier performance management.
- Familiarity with food manufacturing regulations, quality standards, sustainability requirements, and applicable compliance guidelines.
- Experience using ERP systems such as SAP or similar procurement platforms.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical mindset with proven problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- High standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when managing commercial information.
