DESCRIPTION:
The Regional Procurement Manager plays a functional role within the Procurement organization, supporting the Procurement Director in executing Strategic and Operational Plans across the assigned region. This role is instrumental in guiding team members in the field to establish and manage relationships with farmer cooperatives, traders, and other strategic partners.
Main Responsibilities :
- Co-define the Sourcing Strategy with the Procurement Leadership Team for the RCN Procurement business in the Asia Region and deploy the agreed Sourcing Strategy for the region.
- Define and implement seasonal operational procurement plans for the assigned region, in collaboration with RCN Buyers and the Origin Development Manager.
- Identify potential suppliers, initiate contact, and build and grow relationships.
- Enhance supplier relationships, aiming to make the company the customer of choice.
- Actively engage in concluding purchase contracts with approved suppliers in line with operational plans.
- Oversee seasonal supplier performance, ensuring timely supply, quality, compliance, documentation, and information accuracy.
- Oversee operational issues with Buyers, guiding them to take initiative, engaging subject matter experts within the company, and leading processes to reach effective solutions.
- Participate in end-of-season reconciliation with suppliers to ensure zero outstanding balances on cash and packaging materials.
- Engage key stakeholders, including Cooperative representatives and Farmer Groups, in shared objectives.
- Stay updated on regional markets and industry developments through direct relationships, internet research, supplier market reports, and communicate insights to the Procurement organization.
- Actively participate in Weekly Procurement Team meetings.
- Contribute to weekly and monthly reporting to Management.
- Guide, train, and motivate team members by providing ongoing support and fostering a growth-oriented environment that aligns with the business strategy and long-term vision.
Scope of authorization:
The Regional Procurement Manager has the authority to:
- Initiate new business relationships by proposing potential partners for supplier onboarding to the Procurement Leadership Team.
- Negotiate contract conditions within the agreed mandate.
- Guide Buyers in resolving supplier-related issues.
- Enhance supplier relationships to ensure long-term stability and effectiveness.
- Proactively suggest improvements to drive efficiency and sustainability in supply chains.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
- Graduate degree in Business a/o Agriculture
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in a similar role.
- With agricultural commodities, preferably RCN.
- In a hands-on position, thinking and acting both strategic as well as tactical.
Functional Skills:
- Market Analysis: Ability to assess market trends, pricing, and supply chain dynamics to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Supplier Management: Strong interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining supplier relationships, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability.
- Financial Acumen: Knowledge of budgeting, cost analysis, and financial forecasting for effective procurement budget management.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with agricultural regulations and compliance standards relevant to procurement.
- Risk Management: Understanding of potential risks in the cashew supply chain and strategies to mitigate them.
