Protein (Raw Materials) & Ingredients Category Manager

PROTEIN (RAW MATERIALS) & INGREDIENTS CATEGORY MANAGER

Department: Procurement / Supply Chain
Reports To: Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Location: KZN
Employment Type: Permanent

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.