Procurement Category Manager- Indirect

Position Title: Procurement Category Manager- Indirect
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Position Location: Rosebank
Requisition ID: 35273
At McCain Foods, our customer-obsessed culture is not just a principle; it's the heartbeat of our organization. We define our customers as our partners, and we strive to exceed their expectations through exceptional service and trusted collaboration.
We think big and plan ahead and are committed to reshaping the frozen potato & Veg industry, evolving beyond a fry company. Our focus on innovation, sustainability, and consumer relevance drives us to explore new possibilities and challenge the status quo.
And to win, we bring out the best in our people, empowering every team member to play a vital role in delivering outstanding value. By inviting diverse perspectives and encouraging open dialogue, we create a safe space where every voice matters. Our leaders support and develop talent, recognizing that the journey is as important as the destination. When our people thrive, so does our company.
Join us in our journey to become the undisputed leader in frozen potatoes. Together, let's redefine the future of food, one delicious, planet-friendly bite at a time.
Purpose of the Role:
In this pivotal role, you will drive transformation within McCain's procurement function, maximizing value through innovative sourcing strategies, risk management, and process simplification. With a focus on Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) and other indirect spend categories, you will enhance procurement processes, supplier relationships, and overall efficiency. This role is a critical part of McCain's strategy to build a best-in-class procurement function and provides a path for growth and leadership within the organization.
Key Responsibilities:

• Category Leadership: Lead the sourcing strategy and execution for MRO, GARP, and Energy sub-categories, managing an annual spend of ZAR 439M.
• Value Delivery: Design and implement cost-saving initiatives that align with both regional and local business goals.
• People Management: Directly manage the SAF MRO Buyers, driving team growth and ensuring alignment with procurement objectives.
• Strategic Alignment: Contribute to both local and regional procurement strategies, ensuring consistency and operational excellence across McCain's global procurement teams.
• Supplier Innovation & Performance: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to drive continuous innovation and improve performance, ensuring alignment with uniform quality standards.
• Work Simplification & Standardization: Standardize procurement processes across sites and optimize workflows for greater operational efficiency.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain, ensuring diversified supplier networks and compliance with regulations.
• Technology Integration: Drive the integration of automation and digital procurement tools (e.g., S4Hanna, Coupa) for data-driven decision-making and operational enhancements.
• Contract Management: Oversee the negotiation and management of site-specific contracts to deliver cost savings and supplier engagement.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop two buyers, fostering career development and a collaborative team environment.

Job Holder Requirements:
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Expereinence:

• 8-10 years' experience in category management or procurement, preferably in a FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and digital procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and strong data analysis capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and development.

Technical Competencies:

• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to use data to drive decisions, identify cost-saving opportunities, and manage supplier performance.
• Strong Negotiation Skills: Involves leveraging preparation, persuasion, and problem-solving to secure cost-effective, mutually beneficial agreements while mitigating risks.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and mentorship abilities, with a focus on creating career development paths and a supportive work environment.
• Process Optimization and Standardization: Expertise in streamlining procurement workflows to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and standardize processes.
• Technical Acumen: Understanding of MRO components and technical requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Stakeholder Management, Collaboration and Communication: Effectively builds relationships with cross-functional teams and suppliers to achieve objectives.
• Accountability and Role Clarity: Ensures team members have defined roles, eliminating ambiguity, and driving accountability.
• Future-Focused: Prepares the team and procurement processes to meet evolving challenges, supporting long-term strategic growth.
• Market Intelligence Skills: Involves analysing market trends, supplier data, and industry insights to make informed, strategic procurement decisions and mitigate business risks.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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Job Family: Procurement
Division: Global Procurement
Department: Procurement Services
Location(s): ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Johannesburg
Company: McCain Foods (S Africa)