Description:

Role Summary

The Head of Procurement will lead the companys milk procurement operations, shaping and executing strategies to build a sustainable, high-quality, and scalable farmer supply network.

This leadership role serves as the critical link between the processing plant and the farming community, ensuring consistent procurement volumes, superior milk quality, and long-term farmer engagement.

The incumbent will drive both strategic sourcing excellence and rural ecosystem development, contributing directly to the growth and resilience of the dairy business.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

Farmer Relationship Management & Network Expansion:

- Develop and Strengthen Farmer Base: Design and execute strategic initiatives to significantly expand the number of active, loyal, and quality-conscious farmers supplying milk to the company.

- Relationship Building: Foster long-term, trust-based relationships with individual farmers, village-level groups.

- Community Engagement: Leverage a deep understanding of local socio-economic and rural community dynamics to build credibility, trust, and influence at the grassroots level.

- Farmer Retention: Implement programs that enhance farmer satisfaction, loyalty, and alignment with company objectives.

Procurement Strategy, Operations & Target Achievement:

- Procurement Planning: Develop and oversee effective daily, monthly, and seasonal procurement plans aligned with business goals.

- Target Delivery: Ensure consistent achievement of milk procurement volume, quality, and cost targets through proactive planning and monitoring.

- Strategic Sourcing: Analyse market trends, pricing structures, and competitive landscapes to ensure cost-efficient, and sustainable sourcing.

- Operational Excellence: Build and manage systems for transparent and efficient milk collection, testing, and logistics management.

Farmer Support, Technical Guidance & Input Delivery:

- Extension Services: Provide or facilitate expert technical support to farmers on dairy farming best practices, animal health, nutrition, and fodder management.

- Input & Service Delivery: Oversee timely supply of key inputs such as feed, veterinary services, and fodder through structured procurement programs.

- Quality Enhancement: Partner with the Quality Assurance team to drive continuous improvement in milk hygiene, handling, and quality standards at the farm/farmer level.

- Sustainability & Welfare: Promote environmentally sustainable practices and farmer welfare initiatives as part of the companys community development vision.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

- Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in milk procurement, agri-supply chain management, or rural development, preferably within the Dairy or Agri-Business sectors.

- Technical Knowledge: Sound understanding of animal husbandry, milk production systems, village-level procurement logistics, and the broader dairy value chain.

- Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop large field teams, fostering accountability and performance excellence.

- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication skills to engage effectively with farmers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

- Education: Bachelors or masters degree in veterinary science, Agriculture, Dairy Technology, Rural Management, or related fields.

Desirable Attributes:

- Strong rural orientation and empathy for farmer challenges.

- Strategic mindset with operational execution strength.

- Data-driven decision-making with practical field sensibility.

Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Procurement volume and quality achievement against targets.

- Farmer base growth and retention metrics.

- Cost efficiency and sourcing sustainability.

- Farmer satisfaction and engagement levels.

- Reduction in quality non-compliance.

Reporting Structure:

- Reports To: Business Head Dairy Division