Procurement Manager - Soft Commodities & Ingredients South Asia & South Africa

Unilever

Jan 23, 2025

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
Logistics
Mumbai

Requirements

Min. bachelor’s degree required
5+ years of relevant Procurement experience required, preferably in Consumer-Packaged Goods or Food & Beverage or Commodities
Experience on large-scale change management projects
Fluent in English

Responsibilities

Executive Procurement of Soft Commodities and Ingredients portfolios for South Asia & South Africa Ice Cream Business. The scope will include all the raw materials used in Ice Cream production (Cocoa, Dairy, Sugar, Oils, Confectionary & Bakery, Farmed Ingredients, etc.)
Develop and lead portfolio procurement strategies aligned with the business priorities and requirements to deliver against value, purpose, and future-fit goals
Lead regional negotiations, delivering of savings and cash targets via excellent market understanding, strategy implementations, negotiation skills and application of price risk management (PRM) principles
Manage contracts ensuring high quality & service levels to sourcing units across South Asia & South Africa markets, ensuring compliance of Responsible Sourcing Policies
Develop strong relationship with suppliers and analyse their capabilities to develop long term supplier strategies and partnership opportunities
Lead cross-functional initiatives, collaboration with senior functional leaders to establish short term and long term business objectives.
Strong connection with global teams to apply best practices in the region
Support innovation projects through strong collaboration with R&D-team, providing market intelligence, supplier capabilities and capacity
Work closely with the finance community to support the business with accurate price forecasting, including market price trends and future market trends to enable proper budgeting and price forecasting
Identify metrics, tools and process to optimize sourcing, supplier activities and efficiencies, including but not limited to:
To deliver cost savings based on sourcing strategies and compliance management.
Work with IC R&D teams to drive initiatives on supplier approvals / reformulations, resilience programs cost efficiency.
Initiate and drive complexity reduction (e.g. harmonization of specifications and suppliers).
Deliver the Operation Cash Flow and Working Capital plans for the specific materials/services and suppliers
Support and manage supply chain issues (e.g. crisis management).
Measure and manage overall performance of suppliers.
Continuously improve ways of working and optimize procurement activities.
Work in projects like Value Chain Analysis, Vertical Integration, Joint Buying.

FAQs

What is the primary location for the Procurement Manager position?

The primary location for the Procurement Manager position is Mumbai, India.

What are the main responsibilities of the Procurement Manager?

The main responsibilities include executive procurement of soft commodities and ingredients, developing procurement strategies, leading regional negotiations, managing contracts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

What types of commodities will the Procurement Manager be responsible for?

The Procurement Manager will be responsible for various raw materials used in Ice Cream production, including Cocoa, Dairy, Sugar, Oils, Confectionary, Bakery, and Farmed Ingredients.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant Procurement experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, or Commodities are required.

What skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include strong accountability, leadership, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, relationship-building, and excellent communication skills.

Is experience in large-scale change management projects necessary?

Yes, experience in large-scale change management projects is preferred for this role.

Will the Procurement Manager be involved in innovation projects?

Yes, the Procurement Manager will support innovation projects by collaborating with the R&D team and providing market intelligence and supplier capabilities.

Is fluency in any other languages required?

Fluency in English is required; other language proficiencies may be beneficial but are not specified as necessary.

What is the focus of Unilever Ice Cream's business strategy?

The focus is on delivering growth and value creation in the Ice Cream market through innovation, quality, sustainability, and strong brand equity.

Will there be opportunities for career growth within the Ice Cream business?

Yes, there will be ample options for career growth and exploration within the new Ice Cream organization.

Unilever

A better business. A better world. A better you.

Manufacturing & Electronics

Industry

10,001+

Employees

1872

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club and Dermalogica. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.