Procurement Manager

Role Purpose:The Procurement Manager - Direct is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials, including food and beverage categories, to ensure cost efficiency, quality, and timely availability. This role drives supplier relationship management, negotiates contracts, and ensures compliance with company standards while supporting menu innovation and operational excellence. By leveraging market insights and aligning procurement activities with business objectives, the manager plays a critical role in delivering value to both internal stakeholders and customers.What You’ll Own:Develop and implement sourcing strategies for direct categories (food, beverages, packaging) aligned with business objectives and cost targets.Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements to achieve optimal cost savings and favorable terms for the organization.Monitor market trends and commodity pricing to anticipate risks and opportunities, ensuring proactive procurement decisions.Ensure timely availability of materials by managing purchase orders, lead times, and supplier performance metrics.Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to support menu innovation and new product launches through effective sourcing.Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality or service standards.Maintain accurate procurement data and reports for spend analysis, forecasting, and compliance audits.Implement risk management strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions and ensure business continuity.Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance procurement processes, efficiency, and supplier performance.Qualification:Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or a related field.Professional certification in International Trade, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management is preferred.Advanced qualifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Business Management would be an advantage.Experience:8+ years of procurement and sourcing experience, preferably within the Food & Beverage, Restaurant, FMCG, or Consumer Goods industries.Proven experience managing food, beverage, packaging, and indirect spend categories.Strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.Experience developing and managing supplier relationships across local and international markets.Demonstrated success in cost optimization, budgeting, and procurement savings initiatives.Experience using ERP and procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.Exposure to international trade, imports, and supply chain management.Experience leading cross-functional projects and working with Operations, Finance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.Good understanding of food safety, quality standards, procurement governance, and compliance requirements.Competencies:Commercial Acumen – Drives value through informed commercial and sourcing decisions.Collaboration & Influence – Builds alignment and partnerships across stakeholders.Analytical Thinking – Uses data and insights to solve problems and optimize outcomes.Negotiation Skills – Secures favorable commercial outcomes while maintaining relationships.Change Agility – Adapts effectively to evolving business and market needs.Decision Making – Makes timely decisions balancing cost, quality, and risk.Customer Focus – Aligns procurement activities with operational and customer needs.Compliance & Ethics – Ensures adherence to policies, governance, and ethical standards.Personal Traits:Integrity – Demonstrates honesty, fairness, and professionalism.Resilience – Remains effective under pressure and uncertainty.Proactive Mindset – Anticipates issues and takes action early.Attention to Detail – Maintains accuracy in commercial and contractual activities.Relationship Building – Develops strong partnerships with suppliers and stakeholders.Results Orientation – Focuses on delivering measurable business value.Accountability – Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes.