We are looking for a Procurement Lead with deep experience in sourcing key food ingredients such as whey protein, cocoa, nuts, dates, and all forms of primary & secondary packaging materials. The role will own end-to-end procurement, vendor development, cost optimisation, risk management, and quality compliance for a fast-growing food brand.

This individual must understand global and domestic sourcing markets, ingredient quality specs, pricing drivers, and must bring strong negotiation expertise in raw materials used for nutrition, functional foods, and clean-label product categories.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement:

- Lead procurement for key ingredients: whey protein concentrates/isolates, cocoa powder/butter, almonds, cashews, peanuts, dates, and other nutrition-grade ingredients.

- Source primary & secondary packaging material - laminates, bottles, caps, cartons, labels, pouches, and sustainable packaging formats.

- Build and execute sourcing strategies aligned with production, NPD, and business growth.

Vendor Development & Management:

- Identify, qualify, and onboard reliable suppliers across domestic and global markets.

- Develop alternate vendors to mitigate supply risk and ensure uninterrupted material flow.

- Conduct regular audits, quality checks, and performance assessments with QA & manufacturing teams.

Cost Management & Negotiation:

- Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising on product quality or safety.

- Negotiate contracts, pricing terms, MOQs, payment terms, and long-term agreements.

- Track commodity pricing trends (dairy proteins, cocoa, nuts, etc.) and plan procurement accordingly.

Inventory, Planning & Operations:

- Work with production and planning teams to maintain optimal inventory levels.

- Ensure timely availability of materials as per production schedules.

- Monitor lead times, logistics, import timelines, and customs processes if sourcing internationally.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

- Ensure all ingredients and packaging materials meet internal quality standards and regulatory requirements.

- Maintain procurement documentation, supplier agreements, specifications, and traceability records.

- Work closely with R&D on new materials, reformulations, and packaging innovations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

- 8 plus years of procurement experience in food, nutrition, FMCG, dairy, or ingredients sourcing.

Strong exposure to sourcing:

- Whey protein (WPC/WPI), cocoa derivatives, nuts & dry fruits, dates.

- Packaging materials - flexible, rigid, printed, and sustainable formats.

- Good understanding of global supply markets (EU, Middle East, Sri Lanka, South Asia, etc.).

- Strong analytical, negotiation, and cost-management skills.

- Ability to work in a fast-scaling, high-ownership environment.

- Excellent coordination with manufacturing, QA, and supply chain teams.