Job Description

• We are looking to bring on board an analytically minded individual to join our team as a Purchasing Manager.
• The individual will be tasked with analyzing our current buying systems and create the best practices for day-to-day purchasing operations in partnership with the Finance team.
• He/she will be tasked with establishing purchasing goals based on company inventory needs and usage projections; team management including setting clear business objectives for the purchasing team.
• This position takes charge of the development and implementation of the purchasing strategy, policies & plans; product pricing strategies; supplier contract renewals, negotiations as well as returns while ensuring quality and cost control.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Strategic Alignment:

• Champion the development of the purchasing and pricing strategies in the organization and ensure alignment with the overall business strategy.
• Lead the development and implementation of proper purchasing policies, controls, SOPs and processes.
• Develop, implement and improve business planning capabilities by understanding and challenging market demand as well as leading internal activities to ensure these demands are met.

Operational Excellence:

• Spearhead improvements to the current purchasing system that will improve vendor relationships, lower the cost of doing business and improve the turnaround time of orders.
• Collaborate with the Warehouse Manager to develop metrics for gauging inventory level needs and then maintain those levels throughout the year.
• Play a crucial role in creating profitable ways to manage obsolete and slow-moving stock to help offset losses.
• Review technical specifications for products received; ensure we always have multiple options to buy products at the lowest price; ensure we get priority treatment when stock levels are low.

Supplier Management:

• Lead all negotiations in the purchase of supplies, equipment, materials and services for the business in accordance with company purchasing policies and budgetary restrictions.
• Tracks vendors for payment terms and partners with finance to ensure timely payment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers to support the delivery of purchasing deliverables and manage the Company’s overall working relationships with key supplier partners.

Cost Management:

• Represent the company in negotiating contracts with our vendors to guarantee the best prices for products procured including trade and bulk discounts.
• Identify opportunities for cost saving for the department and organization at large.
• Evaluate and propose new purchasing programs and processes that will improve cost, quality and customer responsiveness.

Product Pricing:

• Utilize key information such as market & economic trends, product acquisition price, transport, storage and delivery costs to advise the final product prices.
• Work closely with the finance and warehouse teams to inform and review product prices to warrant the best price in the market and attainment of the organization’s profitability plans.
• Research and monitor competitor activities to advise management on product pricing and product sources to gain competitive advantage in the market.

Budget management:

• Lead the development of the purchasing budget and monitor how it’s spent throughout the financial year.
• Create proper forecasting reports for planning purposes in line with market demand and sales performance.
• Work closely with the Finance Department in the execution of the purchasing budget, monitor and manage credit line limits in line with the said budget.
• Requests credit line increases, and payments as appropriate.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identifying and evaluating operational risks such as supply, quality, safety, environment, security and regulatory compliance.
• Continuously monitor this to ensure proper mitigative actions are in place to cushion the company from exposure and drive consistent adherence.
• Evaluate supplier contracts to ensure they are in compliance with government regulations and internal policies.
• Review and maintain a good record of purchasing files and records (purchase orders, contracts, etc.) to ensure its compliance with company policies and procedures and ensure the availability of documentation.
• Review and monitor capital purchases to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

Performance Management:

• Manage the company’s day-to-day purchasing activities and ensure that each team member is meeting their personal performance standards.
• Maintaining and developing operations performance by implementing KPIs & continuous improvement systems.
• Develops and promotes a customer-focused orientation towards purchasing and materials management while promoting a collaborative culture between purchasing and all business units.

People Management and Development:

• Recruit and manage a motivated and aggressive team to deliver the purchasing mandate.
• Schedule frequent one on one sessions with the team members to evaluate performance, identify areas of development and address any challenges.
• Analyze, develop and monitor performance quality measures for the department.
• Any other duties assigned from time to time within the purchasing department.

Skills & Experience required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field;
• A minimum of 6 – 8 years experience with a minimum of 3 years in a similar role as a Purchasing Manager within FMCG or retail;
• Experience in supply and demand planning is an added advantage;
• In-depth knowledge of the consumer goods industry with an interest in market dynamics along with an intuitive business sense;
• Strong local knowledge, a deep understanding of consumers and a strong commercial acumen;
• A good understanding of vendor management software;
• A knack for negotiating;
• Strong experience in managing teams of people across projects &/or business units; Strong analytical skills with a demonstrable ability to capture and communicate projections as well as to model out various scenarios using Excel;
• A hands-on, empathetic and results-oriented approach to leadership and people management; and a ‘no-excuses’, ‘just do it’ approach to getting things done;
• Professional certification in Purchasing & Supply will be an added advantage;
• Strong financial analysis and forecasting skills. Ability to create and maintain basic financial and operation reports.
• Analytical thinker who can work independently with minimal oversight, and the ability to make educated decisions focused on business strategy.
• Focused and cost-based mindset – always double-checking to ensure the best deal on products and will not hesitate to make a return if needed.

Competencies; 

• Strategic Leadership & Orientation;
• Strong Commercial Acumen;
• Drive for Execution;
• Stakeholder Management;
• People Development & Management;
• Strong Negotiation Skills;
• Tech Savvy.