Role Overview

We are looking for a results-driven professional to lead strategic sourcing and procurement of raw materials, with a primary focus on potatoes, for our food processing business. The role requires expertise in vendor development, contract negotiations, market intelligence, and long term sourcing strategies to ensure consistent supply, optimum cost, and superior quality align ed with production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Planning:

- Develop annual sourcing strategy for potatoes and other key raw materials based on production forecasts, seasonality, and market conditions.

- Identify and evaluate strategic suppliers including farmers, FPOs, cold storages, and

aggregators.

- Establish long-term contracts and partnerships to secure stable supply and pricing.

- Build a supplier risk management plan to mitigate disruptions (seasonal shortages, crop failures, logistics).

Procurement & Vendor Management:

- Define quality specifications for potatoes (variety, size, starch %, moisture, defects) in collaboration with production & QA teams.

- Conduct vendor audits to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.

- Negotiate commercial terms, credit periods, and logistics support with suppliers.

- Develop alternative sourcing regions to reduce dependency on single markets.

Market Intelligence & Cost Optimization:

- Track APMC prices, crop cycles, and cold storage availability to forecast raw material trends.

- Benchmark procurement prices with industry to ensure competitiveness.

- Implement cost-saving initiatives through direct farmer sourcing, bulk contracting, and logistics optimization.

Operations & Supply Chain Integration:

- Plan procurement schedules in line with production demand and storage capacity.

- Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams for timely deliveries and inventory control.

- Implement digital tools/ERP systems for procurement planning, vendor management, and cost tracking.

Key Requirements:

- Graduate / Postgraduate

- 13-20 years of experience in strategic sourcing/procurement of agri commodities, preferably potatoes or similar perishable raw materials.

- Strong understanding of potato sourcing regions, cold storage networks, and farmer ecosystems across India.

- Proven expertise in long-term contract management and cost optimization.

- Excellent skills in negotiation, vendor relationship management, and market intelligence.

- Ability to manage seasonal fluctuations and procurement risks.

- Strong data-driven decision-making and analytical mindset.

Preferred Background

- Experience with potato-based food industries (chips, fries, starch, flakes, frozen foods).

- Exposure to farmer engagement programs, FPO sourcing, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

- Hands-on knowledge of supply chain digitization tools (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent ERP).