Responsibilities Work with the Strategic Buyer to facilitate the sourcing and evaluation of potential suppliers Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to negotiate favorable terms Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, and OTIF Collaborate with other departments to ensure product alignment with company needs Management responsibility of Material Planner; providing coaching and informal training within existing role Managing purchase order process of all commodities, ensuring timely and accurate ordering of stock in line with production plan Monitor inventory levels to avoid stock shortages or overstocking situations Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods Negotiate pricing and contracts with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining product quality Analyze market trends to forecast pricing changes and mitigate cost risks Monitor commodity markets to assess impact on cost and availability of products Prepare regular reports on product availability, cost trends, and purchasing performance Ensure all purchases comply with company policies/standards, ethical sourcing standards, and relevant laws Assess and mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions, supplier failure, or quality issues Develop and lead an SRM program, regularly monitoring and reporting on supplier performance Work with the strategic buyer to build supplier relationships, facilitate pricing negotiations, exploring benefits of long-term contracts, and deliver on agreed strategies to ensure the company’s long-term purchasing goals are met Monitor and report upon supplier performance trends and consult with the strategic buyer and quality assurance on supplier status, produce monthly reporting on all the above as required by Departmental Manager. Review and negotiate supply agreements/contracts, and continually review to ensure value for money Support zero loss projects Support tender processes across the business and help evaluate bids Produce reports, statistics and presentations on supplier performance and development of improvement action plans Monitor and update relevant departments regarding price fluctuations of goods and vendor pricing Seek to drive cost and production efficiency to improve KPIs and service levels Manage an efficient flow of goods to ensure optimum production Maintain live Finished Goods Bills of Material, aligned with NPD/EPD Knowledge, Skills & Experience Experience in FMCG and Manufacturing, preferably within the food and beverage industry. Highly computer literate. A logical and systematic approach to work Good time management ability. The ability to solve problems and make decisions, as well as think laterally and offer creative solutions. Commercial awareness and numeracy skills. The ability to manage change. Project management skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Negotiation and analytical skills. A positive attitude to continued learning. Good understanding of Contract Law. Understanding of manufacturing process. Experience of Sage 200 beneficial.