Agricultural Commodities Procurement Specialist (Category Manager) at Proten

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Agri Commodities Procurement Specialist to join our team. The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee the sourcing and procurement of agricultural commodities to meet our organization's requirements.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in agricultural commodities trading, possess excellent negotiation skills, and be well-versed in market trends and pricing dynamics. The Agri Commodities Procurement Specialist will collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of agricultural commodities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies and policies for agricultural commodities to meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers of agricultural commodities, ensuring they meet quality standards and comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Conduct market research and analysis to stay updated on industry trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply and demand dynamics for various agricultural commodities.
• Monitor and assess supplier performance, including delivery schedules, quality control, and adherence to contractual agreements.
• Negotiate and secure favorable terms and conditions with suppliers, including pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules, to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as production, logistics, and finance teams, to ensure timely availability of agricultural commodities for production and distribution.
• Manage supplier relationships, including conducting periodic performance reviews, addressing any issues or disputes, and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Analyze and forecast commodity market trends and communicate insights to the management team to support decision-making.
• Stay updated on relevant industry regulations, certifications, and sustainability standards to ensure compliance and promote responsible sourcing practices.
• Develop and maintain procurement documentation, such as contracts, purchase orders, and supplier agreements, while ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, supply chain management, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience in agricultural commodities procurement, preferably in a trading or procurement role within the agribusiness sector.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural commodities markets, including price drivers, trading patterns, and supply chain dynamics.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Familiarity with quality control standards, regulatory requirements, and sustainability practices in the agricultural industry.
• Proficient in using procurement software and tools, as well as MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in procurement documentation and contract management.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and experience in global sourcing is desirable.