Procurement Manager

Job Purpose:

The Procurement Manager is responsible for managing the procurement process on-site for Agriculture business. This includes overseeing the acquisition of goods and services required for daily farming operations, managing local supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery of resources, and optimizing the procurement process specific to the site’s needs. The role involves coordinating with various teams, ensuring cost-effective purchasing, and maintaining a seamless flow of supplies necessary for the farm's operation.

Responsibilities:

On-Site Procurement Management

• Oversee day-to-day procurement activities for the farm site, ensuring all necessary materials (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, tools, machinery, etc.) are available in a timely manner.
• Monitor site-specific procurement requirements in alignment with farm production schedules, ensuring that resources match seasonal needs and operational demands.
• Work closely with farm managers, production teams, and other stakeholders to assess material needs and ensure proper sourcing.

Supplier Relationships & Negotiation

• Establish and maintain relationships with local suppliers and vendors, ensuring competitive pricing, reliable service, and timely delivery of required products.
• Negotiate prices, contracts, and terms with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality.
• Resolve any procurement-related issues, such as delayed deliveries or quality discrepancies, directly with suppliers.

Inventory & Stock Management

• Manage inventory on-site, ensuring that all items are well-stocked while avoiding excess inventory that could lead to waste or inefficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of purchased materials, quantities, costs, and usage.
• Implement a streamlined inventory control system to ensure proper tracking and timely reordering of supplies based on demand forecasts.

Budget & Cost Control

• Monitor and manage the procurement budget for the site, ensuring that purchases are within budget and resources are optimized.
• Analyze procurement spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Collaborate with the finance department to ensure timely payment of invoices and keep track of the procurement budget for cost efficiency.

Logistics & Delivery Coordination

• Coordinate deliveries of supplies and materials to the farm site, ensuring goods arrive as scheduled and are in optimal condition.
• Work closely with logistics teams to streamline the delivery process, addressing any delivery delays or discrepancies.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Ensure that all procured goods meet the farm’s quality standards and are suitable for agricultural operations.
• Monitor compliance with agricultural industry regulations, ensuring that all procured materials comply with legal and safety standards.
• Promote sustainable sourcing practices by ensuring that eco-friendly, ethical, and quality products are prioritized.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase orders, invoices, delivery receipts, and contracts.
• Regularly report to the management team on procurement status, including stock levels, procurement costs, supplier performance, and any issues that arise.
• Provide inventory and procurement reports to ensure that the site’s procurement needs are continuously met.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate with farm supervisors and department heads to understand specific operational requirements and adjust procurement plans accordingly.
• Coordinate with the central procurement team to ensure that site-specific needs are integrated into the overall procurement strategy.
• Provide feedback and suggestions on procurement practices and processes to improve site-level efficiency.

Required skills and qualifications

• Atleast 7 years of experience in procurement, preferably within the agricultural or farming industry.
• Proven experience managing site-level procurement operations, including purchasing, inventory control, and supplier management.
• Knowledge of farming equipment, inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), and farm production needs is highly desirable.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Bachelor / Masters degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.

Skill & Competencies:

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Knowledge of inventory management systems and procurement software.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical abilities to evaluate costs and identify savings opportunities.
• Familiarity with farming practices, agricultural procurement, and supply chain management in a farming context.