PROCUREMENT MANAGER – INDIRECTS

Reporting Line:

This role reports to the Head of Procurement.

Direct Reports: 1 – Procurement Assistant

Job Summary:

The Procurement Manager (Indirects) will be responsible for managing procurement activities for indirect goods and services (including but not limited to capex and MRO, marketing, IT, HR, facilities, refrigeration, logistics, fleet and professional services) to support organizational goals.

This role requires strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and experience in supplier relationship management to deliver cost savings and value across the complexed indirect spend categories.

The Procurement Manager (Indirects) will collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead procurement initiatives, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Procurement
  • Develop and implement standardized procurement policies and processes for various indirect spend categories, that align with the organization’s objectives, promoting consistency and efficiency.
  • Design a robust organizational procurement strategy supported by tactical, innovative procurement programs to deliver optimal customer satisfaction and service delivery.

• Supplier Management
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key indirect suppliers
  • 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 indirect goods and services.
  • Work with the finance team to forecast NPD costs, track spending, and ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings through negotiations, alternative sourcing, or process improvements.

• 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 indirect services and goods meet the required quality standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

• 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 Area
  • Market benchmarking analysis – local and global
  • Target cost modelling – open book

• Cash
  • 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
  • Embed BBBEEE preferential procurement buying mentality in all functions
  • Partner with suppliers to develop and explore new technologies

Key Performance Indicators: 

Year on Year Actual Spend R/Case Reduction

• Creditors Days Improvement
• Working Capital Reduction
• 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 procurement, with at least 3 years in a managerial or senior role, preferably within the beverage or food industry.
• Proven experience in managing indirect procurement, including vendor management, contract negotiations, and cost control.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, including logistics.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement strategies, market analysis, and cost control.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ERP systems (e.g. SAP S/4HANA).
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Time management skills
• Valid driver’s license.

Personal Attributes:

• Solid knowledge of procurement principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong sense of urgency and dynamic problem solver under changing and high-pressure conditions.
• Strong presentation and written/verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.
• Able to manage complexity in a dynamic work environment with ability to analyse data and convert to information to aid in decision making or project prioritization.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and practices.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team orientated environment.
• Independent, motivated self- starter and goal orientated.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Contact information

RoAnn Sampson