Direct Procurement Manager

SUMMARY:
Are you a strategic procurement leader with a passion for innovation, cost optimization, and supplier excellence? We’re seeking a Direct Procurement Manager to take the lead in shaping category strategy and aligning sourcing efforts with our group’s bold commercial, quality, and sustainability ambitions across multiple African markets.

POSITION INFO:
As a Direct Procurement Manager , you will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and implement a long-term category strategy for direct materials (ingredients, packaging, and co-manufacturing), aligned to innovation, growth, and margin targets.
• Drive cross-functional alignment with teams in FSQA, Marketing, R&D, Finance, and Operations to integrate procurement strategies into business planning.
• Provide indirect leadership to Regional Procurement/Category Managers, ensuring sourcing consistency, governance, and best practice across all African markets.
• Build and manage strategic supplier partnerships to unlock innovation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable value creation.
• Lead supplier performance management, using KPI frameworks to improve delivery, cost, quality, and service.
• Partner with technical teams to embed food safety and quality standards into all procurement activities.
• Promote responsible sourcing and ESG practices, emphasizing ethical sourcing, sustainability, and traceability in the supply base.
• Utilize advanced commodity cost modelling and negotiation strategies to mitigate price volatility and manage total cost of ownership.
• Lead risk mitigation strategies through contingency planning, dual sourcing, and business continuity frameworks.
• Support product innovation pipelines by ensuring supplier readiness and scalable procurement strategies.
• Champion procurement digitization, leveraging ERP systems, sourcing tools, and supplier portals for improved visibility and efficiency.
• Contribute to the group’s broader supply chain transformation efforts, improving cost, service, and working capital outcomes.

• 8–10 years of procurement or supply chain experience, with at least 5 years in direct category management within the food, FMCG, or manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record in sourcing ingredients, packaging, or co-manufacturing partnerships.
• Strong experience in regional or global sourcing, ideally within a multinational franchise or matrix environment.
• Skilled in cost modeling, strategic sourcing, supplier development, and contract negotiation.
• Confident collaborator across functions—especially with QA, Marketing, Finance, R&D, and Operations.
• Knowledgeable in food safety, regulatory compliance, and supplier performance standards.
• Experienced in embedding ESG and sustainability into procurement practices.