Head - Procurement

The Head of Procurement will lead the end-to-end procurement function to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and quality-compliant sourcing of raw materials, packaging, equipment, and services required for the companys operations. This leader will drive strategic vendor partnerships, optimize supply chain costs, ensure compliance with food safety and sustainability standards, and support the companys growth and innovation agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement & Planning:

- Develop and execute the companys procurement strategy aligned with business goals.

- Forecast procurement needs based on production plans, new product launches, and seasonal demand.

- Identify and develop alternate sourcing strategies to minimize supply risk and cost volatility.

Vendor Management:

- Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and onboard suppliers for raw materials, packaging, logistics, and capital equipment.

- Build strong partnerships with local and international suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and reliability.

- Establish supplier performance metrics and lead regular reviews to ensure continuous improvement.

Cost Optimization & Budget Management:

- Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality or food safety.

- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and currency fluctuations to optimize procurement decisions.

- Prepare and manage the annual procurement budget, ensuring adherence to financial goals.

Compliance & Quality:

- Ensure all procurement practices comply with local regulations, import/export laws, and company policies.

- Work closely with Quality Assurance to guarantee that supplier products meet required food safety (HACCP, ISO, FSSAI, etc.) and sustainability standards.

Team Leadership:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team.

- Foster collaboration with production, R&D, finance, logistics, and marketing teams for seamless supply chain operations.

Technology & Process Excellence:

- Implement procurement systems and best practices to improve efficiency, transparency, and reporting.

- Analyze procurement data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelors degree in Supply Chain, Food Technology, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred.

- 1015 years of progressive procurement experience in the FMCG/Food & Beverage sector, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

- Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor development skills.

- In-depth understanding of raw materials sourcing, packaging, and import/export regulations.

- Proven track record of delivering cost savings and supplier performance improvements.

- Familiarity with ERP/procurement software (SAP, Oracle, etc.) is desirable.