Protein (Raw Materials) & Ingredients Category Manager (75208)

JOB PURPOSE

• To develop and implement the strategic procurement and sourcing strategy for all protein-based raw materials and food ingredients required by the business
• The role is responsible for ensuring competitive sourcing, consistent raw material quality, security of supply and cost optimisation while maintaining food safety, product integrity and manufacturing efficiency
• The successful candidate will manage supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements, monitor commodity markets and work closely with Production, Technical, Quality Assurance and R&D to support business profitability

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Category Management

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for protein raw materials and food ingredients
• Manage category spend, budgets, forecasts and cost-saving targets
• Monitor commodity pricing, market trends, availability and supply risks
• Identify alternative sourcing opportunities and supplier consolidation initiatives

Raw Material and Ingredient Procurement

• Manage procurement of relevant protein categories, including beef, poultry, pork, fish and other applicable protein sources
• Manage food ingredient categories, including spices, seasonings, starches, flavours, preservatives, oils, fats and functional ingredients
• Ensure materials are purchased according to approved specifications and quality standards
• Identify alternative raw materials and ingredients to improve cost competitiveness and supply continuity
• Monitor raw material yields, specifications, fat, moisture and protein content where applicable

Supplier and Commercial Management

• Identify, evaluate and manage strategic raw material and ingredient suppliers
• Lead supplier negotiations, tenders and commercial agreements
• Monitor supplier pricing, quality, service and delivery performance
• Conduct supplier reviews and coordinate supplier audits with Quality Assurance
• Develop alternative suppliers and contingency plans for critical categories

Cost Management and Market Analysis

• Monitor protein commodity markets, agricultural trends, exchange rates and ingredient price movements
• Negotiate competitive pricing, volume agreements and payment terms
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality
• Work with Finance to manage procurement budgets and raw material cost forecasts

Quality, Food Safety and Operational Support

• Ensure all suppliers meet approved food safety and technical requirements
• Work with Quality Assurance and Technical teams on supplier approval and raw material specifications
• Ensure relevant documentation, including product specifications, certificates of analysis, allergen declarations and traceability records, is maintained
• Support compliance with HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000 and applicable South African food regulations
• Work with Production Planning and Supply Chain to ensure raw material availability and optimise inventory
• Collaborate with R&D on ingredient alternatives, product development and formulation optimisation

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum qualifications:

• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Food Science, Food Technology, Agricultural Science, Animal Science or a related field
• CIPS qualification or equivalent professional procurement certification will be advantageous
• Meat Science or Food Technology qualifications will be advantageous

Experience:

• 5-7 years' experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management
• Minimum 3 years' experience in raw material and/or food ingredient procurement
• Food manufacturing, FMCG, meat processing or agricultural processing experience is strongly preferred
• Proven experience in commodity purchasing, supplier negotiations and cost optimisation

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of meat, poultry, fish or other relevant protein categories
• Understanding of food ingredients, functionality and applications
• Knowledge of raw material specifications, yields, quality and shelf life
• Understanding of chilled and frozen supply chains and cold chain management
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety and allergen management
• Strong commercial, financial and analytical capabilities
• ERP experience, preferably SAP, Syspro or equivalent
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Achievement of annual raw material and ingredient procurement savings targets
• Purchase price competitiveness and control of raw material cost inflation
• Supplier delivery and quality performance
• Availability of critical raw materials and reduction in production interruptions
• Supplier compliance with food safety and technical specifications
• Inventory optimisation and reduction in expired or wasted raw materials
• Successful alternative sourcing and cost optimisation initiatives
• Support for new product development and formulation improvements

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
• Analytical and financial management capabilities
• Strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management
• Understanding of food manufacturing operations
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Results-driven, proactive and accountable

Additional requirements: Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to suppliers, processing facilities and manufacturing sites when required